Chorizo vs Salami

Chorizo vs Salami

Although chorizo and salami are made using cured meat they are totally different. They are often confused due to the fact that they look similar in terms of appearance. The article below aims at highlighting some of the most common ways you can use to tell these 2 types of sausages apart. The differences emanate from their appearance, texture, taste, production process as well as how they are commonly served. Knowing the differences between chorizo and salami will help you to know which cooking method to use.

Contents

Chorizo

Chorizo is a sausage that is made using pork meat and pork fat that are finely chopped down. It is then seasoned with spices like paprika, cumin and coriander. Then it is cured using smoke. Chorizo has a spicy taste to it because of the ingredients used when making it.  It is sold in 2 varieties and that is fresh chorizo and dried chorizo. The dried chorizo can be eaten raw since it is already cooked whereas the fresh one is uncooked, thus it needs to be cooked first before consumption.

Salami

This is a cured sausage just like chorizo. However, it is made using milder spices. It is sold while it’s ready to eat. Therefore you don’t have to go through the hustle of reheating it up. Salami has its origins in Italy where the peasants were looking for ways of preserving meat so that it can last for a longer period of time.

Differences between chorizo and salami

Appearance

The first difference to note between chorizo and salami is based on their appearance. The colour of chorizo is red with white dots whereas salami has a red and brownish colour. So this is the main difference that you can use to distinguish the 2 when you walk into a grocery store.

Texture

Chorizo is softer as compared to salami. This is because salami is fully cooked so it loses a larger portion of its moisture as compared to chorizo.

Taste

In terms of taste, chorizo is spicier than salami. Although salami and chorizo are made using the same methods, the flavours that are added to them are different. Salami can be made using a combination of spices like fennel, mace and coriander which are not as spicy as compared to a combination of paprika, cumin and coriander, which is the one commonly used when making chorizo.

Serving suggestion

Salami can be served whilst cold. This is because it is sold whilst already cooked. However, this is not the case for chorizo. It is sold in 2 different forms. There is the uncooked chorizo which needs to be cooked first then there is the one that is dried. You can simply slice it up then eat it without having to cook it.

Furthermore, because salami is already cooked it is usually served with cold foods and is usually used when making sandwiches. However, chorizo can be incorporated into a number of dishes. It can be used when making breakfast, rice dishes or even tacos.

Production process

Chorizo is made using pork only whereas salami can be made using either pork or beef.

Origins

Salami originated in Italy whereas chorizo originated in Spain and Portugal.

Similarities between chorizo and salami

Production process

The reason why salami and chorizo are often confused is that they are both made using cured meat especially pork.

Appearance

Furthermore chorizo and salami are usually found in the same shape and size. So at first glance you can confuse the 2 when you see them.

How to store chorizo

When you open dried chorizo you should always store it in the refrigerator. This is because once cut, the dry chorizo will be prone to bacteria. So in order to protect it place it inside the refrigerator. To store the chorizo, wrap it with aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively you can always place it inside a freezer bag. This will help to prevent moisture from infiltrating inside it. Refrigerated chorizo can last for up to 3 weeks. To extend the shelf life of chorizo you can always freeze it. Simply use the same wrapping method then place it inside the freezer, it can last for up to 10 months in the freezer. Chorizo which is not dry should always be stored in the freezer since it easily turns bad. It should also be served while cooked since it is not pre-cooked.

How to store salami

Salami can be stored at room temperature as long as it is not cut. Once cut, salami should be stored in the refrigerator. This helps to prevent bacteria from building up on the sausage. To store salami in the refrigerator simply wrap it up with aluminium foil or plastic wrap. This will help to prevent moisture from entering inside. Place the salami inside the refrigerator, it will last for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. However, if you intend on extending the shelf life of cut salami simply wrap it up and place it in the freezer. It can last for up to 2 months. Always remember to label the freezer bag this will help you to keep track of when it is expiring.

Signs that your chorizo or salami has turned bad

Although chorizo and salami are prepared in such a way that they can be stored for a long time, they have the potential of turning bad. The first sign you will notice when your chorizo or salami is bad is when it develops an odour. Naturally these 2 types of meats have a distinct smell because they are made using preservatives. However, if you are very familiar with the original smell you will be able to tell when the smell is now a bit off. The other sign is that your chorizo or salami will start to change its texture. Salami usually turns a bit wet or becomes too dry whereas chorizo tends to become slimy. The appearance also changes. You can start noticing a few moulds on the sausage. This will be a sign that you need to throw it away.

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