The pros: Trader Joe's Sliced Prosciutto is salty and full of ham flavor.
The cons: This product seems fattier than other brands of prosciutto.
The verdict: Prosciutto is a love it or hate it food item. Some people can't stomach the idea of eating a pork product or eating a pork product raw. I, on the other hand, am grateful for such people, because that means more for me. If you've never had prosciutto before in your life, then my description of this product might not get your appetite going. It's made from pig or wild boar thigh or hind leg. It's cleaned, salted, and dried. No cooking of this product happens unless you choose to on your end.
This prosciutto has a very assertive saltiness. The saltiness mixed with the paper-thin slices works here. Now, there might be a few difference between Trader Joe's brand and other varieties out there. This product does not seem to be as lean as some of the other varieties out there. When its sliced this thin, it did not have much of an impact on the taste. On its own, it was good and would absolutely make for good ingredient in an appetizer. Prosciutto does not come cheap regardless of what brand you reach for. This is not a product that can be rushed. That distinct flavor takes time to develop. Most importantly, a little goes a long way. Thin slices are almost a must with this product.
For $3.99 for a four ounce package, it will make for a nice addition to a cheese plate or crisped up as part of an appetizer. I've purchased this several times and if I need prosciutto and happen to be at Trader Joe's, I'll pick it up. It's not a must buy, but it's a reliable choice. Need an appetizer idea? At the end of this post is my recipe for Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Prosciutto.
Here is the visual run down of what you get if you buy this product:
The package of Trader Joe's Sliced Prosciutto:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
Out of the package you get slices thin enough to see through them:
Would I buy this again? Yes. This product was both priced well and tasted like salty ham goodness.
So what can you do with this? Make this appetizer!
Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Wrapped in Prosciutto
Ingredients
- 1 lb Medjool Dates
- 4 ounce Thinly Sliced Prosciutto
- 10 ounce Goat Cheese
Instructions
- Remove pit from dates. Set aside
- Allow goat cheese to warm to room temperature (if time is a problem, then add a bit of milk to thin out the cheese)
- Use spoon to stuff the cheese into the date.
- Cut prosciutto in half the long way. If it's too hard to peel off of its paper, allow to warm up to room temperature.
- Wrap date in prosciutto
- Broil for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
RossC says
Good product... Correct size packaging for just the two of us as, we don't have it frequently...
judilyn says
WOW! I had no idea that this was an uncooked product. Can't say that I have ever used it - mostly because of the price, and the well-advertised saltiness. Your stuffed dates look really good, so that could be done since then the meat is subjected to heat. I'm feeding a husband who takes chemo, so his immune system is shot - must be careful about uncooked foods. Not clear how this product fits in. Probably worth the effort to find out.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Sturmaning says
I think this product is delicious and have purchased it several times. I agree, I have seen variances with the fattiness of the package, but overall I would say the quality is good.
I think it’s worth stating that the ham, while technically “raw” since it is indeed uncooked, has been sufficiently salt-cured and dried with circulated filtered air to “cook” the meat. Or at least put it in a state that is generally considered safe for consumption.
However, Judie, I would advise that your husband steer clear as cured meats are definitely not recommended for those with compromised immune systems. My father has Lymphoma and I learned that it was a risk for him to consume raw, undercooked, or cured meats.
Also, I have heard that uncured options for things like bacon and corned beef are actually “healthier” for you.