2024 Gift Giving Guide

As Christmas approaches, the search for the perfect gift can get overwhelming. We’re here to simplify things by helping you to give the gift of food! Food gifts are not only thoughtful but also practical, offering a delightful treat for the senses. You can give someone some of their favorite items, theme it for a food they love, or make a gourmet basket! Whether you’re shopping for a foodie friend, a relative, or a coworker, you can never go wrong with food! 

Here are a few food gift ideas to inspire your holiday shopping, all conveniently available at your one stop shop– Caputo’s!

For the Coffee lover

Coffee is a love language that so many understand, that’s why this is the gift that keeps on giving! A moka coffee maker will transport you right to a little house in Italy. It’s a great gift for a coffee lover because it’s easy to use, offers a unique brewing experience, and the coffee tastes good! You can pair it with some bags of ground coffee so the recipient can test what they like best and some other delicious treats! 

  • Bialetti 
  • Caffe Angelo coffee 
  • LBR chocolate espresso beans
  • Biscotti
  • Cappuccino Candies
  • Coffee Syrups

For the Pasta Lover

Pasta is a universally loved food, and a well-curated box can offer a variety of flavors and textures for the recipient to enjoy. You can theme it so it has all the ingredients for a simple dish or put a little bit of everything for the recipient to try out! Here’s some suggestions 

  • Pasta (different cuts and brands)
  • Pasta sauce 
  • Passata
  • Pesto 
  • Parmesan bag
  • Red pepper flakes 

For the Nutella Lover

Nutella: A Love Letter to the Hazelnut Spread

For many, the name “Nutella” evokes a wave of childhood nostalgia. That irresistible jar, the swirling brown and beige pattern, the unmistakable aroma… pure happiness! This is why you can’t go wrong by giving someone a basket full of Nutella items and we have a variety of items for you to choose from! We even have Nutella imported from Europe and you can taste the difference— just look for the Nutella in the glass jar!

  • Imported nutella
  • Nutella biscuits
  • B-ready
  • Nutella on the go snacks
  • Hazelnuts

For the Charcuterie Lover 

Charcuterie. The word alone conjures images of a bountiful spread, overflowing with savory delights. But for the true enthusiast, it’s more than just a collection of meats and cheeses— it’s an art form and a celebration of foods! We have an extensive cheese department filled with items from all over that are great on a charcuterie board. This a is a great gift so people can try out what just might be their new favorite charcuterie board item!

  • Salami chubs
  • Jams
  • Crackers
  • Almonds
  • Jarred olives 
  • Caputo’s gift card to purchase their favorite cheeses!

For someone who loves spice… or is Calabrese

Calabria, a sun-drenched region in southern Italy, is renowned for its cuisine. At the heart of this flavorful province lies a fiery ingredient: Calabrian chili peppers. These small, wrinkled peppers deliver a unique blend of heat and fruity sweetness that sets them apart from other chilis! They are a culinary wonder and they come in so many different ways to enjoy! So if there’s someone who is Calabrese or loves foods with a little spice, then this basket is a good one for them!

  • Calabrian Chili infused oil
  • Calabrian chilis
  • Chili pesto
  • Calabrian chili orange spread
  • Spicy salami 

For the Wine Lover

For the wine enthusiast in your life, a thoughtfully curated gift basket is a surefire way to show your appreciation. Beyond just a bottle of wine, a gift basket offers a delightful experience that celebrates their passion for all things vino. Including things like crackers, salami, chocolates, and cheese are all things that pair perfectly with wine and can curate a wondering experience for a wine lover!

  • A white wine
  • A red wine
  • crackers/taralli 
  • Baci
  • Cheese crisps
  • Salami chubs 

For the Bruschetta Lover

This is a unique gift because it’s almost like gifting an experience. In addition to the classic bruschetta topping of tomatoes, we have tons of different bruschetta toppings— olives, artichokes, pepper, and so many more! These along with different flavors of bruschetta crackers is a wonderful gift for a culinary lover 

  • Different bruschetta toppings
  • Bruschetta crackers
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Oil
  • Oregano 

For the Designer Foodie:

Dolce & Gabbana Panettone of course!

Panettone is a staple Christmas gift. It is a sweet bread that Italians enjoy around the holidays. It is a tall, dome-like shaped sweet bread that comes in multiple flavors.  The baking process is long and involves curing the dough, then proofing the cake to give it the fluffy texture. There are then extras added into the dry mix like dried candies, raisins, or chocolate chips! This dolce and Gabbana one adds the perfect special touch to this traditional gift. Imported from Sicily, it comes in a beautiful metal tin that has the signature D&G style and has a matching bag that the recipient can keep all year round

No matter who you’re shopping for, the gift of food is always appreciated! If you need help curating the perfect gift for someone, we’re here to help! Just email events@caputomarkets.com and we can put together a custom gift basket for you!

Happy gifting!

Feeding Families and Their Traditions From Generation to Generation

2024 Christmas Feast

Tis the season for feasting! This year, skip the stress and enjoy a delicious, homemade (in our kitchens) Christmas feast.

We know this time of year may be stressful. Shopping for gifts, making the most of the seasonal Christmas activities, and menu planning for this big feast! Every year, the list adds up and time seems to run short. At Caputo’s, we want to help you where we can, so let us take the meal prep off your hands!

Sharing a meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas is is where some of the fondest memories with your loved ones are formed.We want you to spend time around the table with your loved ones and not in the kitchen, so have a hassle free holiday and let us do the work for you! Our Homemade Holiday Feast is perfect for the holiday season and will allow you to spend quality time with the family. This homemade feast features a main entree, multiple side dishes, condiments, and dessert! 

We offer a full feast that will make your holidays much easier! Our homemade feast feeds 10-12 people and is made with all natural foods and no preservatives. You get a completely homemade meal, but without all the work! This meal will help to create some core memories for your family that you will be able to enjoy because you’re not stuck in the kitchen prepping. For the main entree, there is a choice between an oven roasted turkey that comes with our homemade gravy or an oven baked ham that comes with our signature pineapple apricot glaze. Both items are holiday classics so you can’t go wrong with either one of them! 

You will get sides–vegetables, potatoes, a salad, and dinner rolls. There are different options to pick from to make your dinner perfect for your guests. To go along with your meal are condiments– you will get two cans of either jelly or cranberry sauce.

Can’t forget dessert! The feast comes with a fresh 8” La Bella Romana apple or pumpkin pie! 

The feast is available hot for Christmas Eve or you can request it cold and warm it up to enjoy on Christmas Day! 

You get to experience the Christmas magic of a homemade meal and enjoy every stress-free minute of it!

December Events

Looking for a truly unique and unforgettable Christmas gift? Consider gifting a signed bottle. Whether it’s a wine, whiskey, or even a beer bottle, a signature from a famous athlete, musician, or wine maker can add significant value and sentimental appeal.

Lucky for you we have a few upcoming opportunities for you to get some bottles signed at a  few of our stores!

For the hockey fans and whiskey lovers

Whiskey in the Wild is a unique Canadian whiskey brand that combines the spirit of adventure with a bold and flavorful whiskey. It’s crafted with a blend of 100% corn mash, aged for three years in oak barrels, and infused with extracts of chocolate, vanilla, blackberry, and wild black elderberry. This combination creates a smooth and aromatic whiskey with notes of caramel, mocha, and hazelnut. There is also a flavor that features a twist of orange!

The brand’s packaging is designed to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a sleek bottle with a built-in flask. 

Overall, Whiskey in the Wild is a refreshing take on flavored whiskey, offering a bold and flavorful experience that’s perfect for those who love to explore and it’s perfect for the hockey lover because Chicago legend and hockey Hall of Famer, Jeremy Roenick is a proud partner of the brand!

Jeremy Roenick will be in stores signing the bottles of his whiskey, taking pictures with fans, and more! What’s even more special? These bottles will be signed with his new Hall of Fame title as he was recently inducted with the 2024 class! This makes a signed JR Whiskey in the Wild bottle an incredibly special gift!

For the rock fans and vodka lovers

On December 21, we will welcome Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick to our Carol Stream store to sign and promote his ROCK’N Vodka!

ROCK’N Vodka is a unique, award-winning spirit crafted from 100% non-GMO sugarcane.

It’s gluten-free and offers a smooth, subtly sweet taste, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in your favorite cocktails. Co-owned by legendary rock star Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, ROCK’N Vodka brings a rock-and-roll edge to the spirit world.


These are just a few of the events we have going on! Check out our event page to stay up to ate with the happenings, see some of our scheduled demos, and more! https://www.shopcaputos.com/events

Feeding Families and Their Traditions From Generation to Generation

Black Friday Savings

Black Friday is just around the corner! This annual shopping extravaganza is a great opportunity to snag deals and we have a few we’re excited to share with you!

Gift Card Sale

Who doesn’t love free money?

On Black Friday, when you buy $100 worth of Caputo’s gift cards, you will get a $20 Caputo’s gift card free! This promo is ONE DAY ONLY on 11/29. You can purchase online or stop in store to snag this one and our other deals!

Purchase gift cards online here or stop in your closest store

This is a perfect deal just in time for Christmas. Gift cards are a great gift to show someone you care and to give the gift of groceries– they are convenient, useful, and thoughtful all at the same time. You can give it on it’s own, attach it to their favorite product, a panettone to stay in the Christmas spirit, or some Caputo’s merch!

Want to put together a Caputo’s gift box to give to a foodie in your life? We can help you create the perfect gift! Email us at events@caputomarkets.com and we can help you out!

20% off Fresh Meats

Yup, you read that right! When you shop in our store from 11/29-12/3, you’ll notice some empty brown paper bags waiting to be filled in our meat department. You will get 20% all the fresh meats that you can fit in the bag.

That means it’s time to stock up and our brand new cryovac line is perfect for this deal! You may have noticed that our packaging has changed a bit in our meat department. We recently started cryovac packing our meat in house as a way to provide our customers with a better quality, more convenient product. Don’t worry– the only thing that has changed is the packaging! The meat still arrives to us fresh from Iowa Premium and our team of butchers cut it fresh and immediately cryovac package it in house at our Carol Stream warehouse.

There are so many benefits to this, here are a few:

Fresh: Cryovac-packed meat is cut and packaged daily by our skilled butchers, ensuring maximum freshness

Enhanced Flavor: The cryovac process allows the meat to undergo a gentle wet aging process, enhancing its tenderness and flavor.

Quality: Cryovac packaging removes air from the package, preventing the meat from drying out or being exposed to oxygen. This helps maintain freshness and flavor for a longer period

Convenient: Cryovac-packed meat is already packaged so that it can be put right in the freezer as is & stored longer without losing quality or flavor because of the oxygen removal seal

Safer & Cleaner: This air tight packaging is a safer, studier package. It is also leak proof!

This sale is the perfect opportunity to try out our new cryovac items and taste the difference this packaging makes! This sale is in-store only from 11/29-12/3!

Want more info on our line, what it is, where the meat comes from, and why it’s so great? Read more here

We hope you all have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Feeding Families and Their Traditions From Generation to Generation

2024 Holiday Charcuterie Guide

A charcuterie board is a beautiful and delicious way to entertain guests during the holiday season. It’s a versatile appetizer that can be customized to fit any taste and preference. Sometimes a charcuterie board can be intimidating because it’s hard to know what to choose with so many options! We are going to break down some new items, some staple items, and some seasonal items so you can choose what works best for you!

Cheeses

Artikaas Holy Sheep

This is a unique gouda made 100% from sheeps milk. It is  aged over over 9 months which gives it a pleasantly crystalized texture when you bite into it. It is semi-firm and decadent

Flavor: nutty and slightly sweet

Artikaas Cranberry Gouda

Artikaas Cranberry Gouda is a delightful cheese that blends the classic taste of Gouda with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries. It’s a popular choice for cheese boards and can be enjoyed in various ways. It is aged for 4-6 weeks and results in a mild, smooth, and festive cheese! This one is available 

Flavor: Sweet and tangy from the cranberries

Wensleydale- Mimosa Cheese

Brunch anyone? Wensleydale-Mimosa cheese is a delightful blend of traditional orange stilton, the fun addition of Prosecco, and orange pieces throughout! It is creamy, and slightly tangy with the sweet and citrusy notes of prosecco and oranges

Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and slightly effervescent with a hint of citrus

Belgioioso Manteche Cheese-Provolone Stuffed with Unsalted Butter

BelGioioso Manteche is a unique and delicious cheese that combines the rich flavor of Provolone with the creamy goodness of unsalted butter. This artisanal cheese is made by wrapping a block of unsalted butter in a shell of Provolone cheese. As the cheese ages, the flavors of the butter and cheese meld together, creating a truly unique taste experience.

This is great serve with Crusty bread, crackers or even on or in pasta! This one is a must try and is only available while supplies last

Flavor: Rich, buttery, and slightly salty.

Point Reyes Toma

 In Italian, Toma means “wheel of cheese made by the farmer herself.” What better way to describe this, our most versatile, any time, any table cheese. All natural, pasteurized, semi-hard table cheese with a waxed rind available in original or truffle!

This is also while supplies last and only comes in ONCE a year for us

Flavor: Mild, buttery, and slightly sweet with a grassy, tangy finish

Couronne Brie- Double Crème Brie 

From France, Couronne Brie is a luxurious double-crème Brie cheese, renowned for its rich, creamy texture and delicate flavor. It’s a French cheese that’s slowly ripened from the outside in, allowing for a unique flavor profile and a soft, gooey center. We carry this year round, but it is on sale through the Holidays!

Flavor: Mild, buttery, and slightly nutty 

Fromage Affinois Brie-Double Creme Brie

Another brie from France- this almost tastes like a triple cream! Fromage d’Affinois is a renowned French double-crème Brie known for its exceptional richness and creamy texture. It’s a luxurious cheese that’s perfect for indulging in everyday items- but on sale through the Holidays!

Flavor: Buttery, creamy, and slightly sweet

Pine River Cranberry Cheddar Spread

Pine River Cranberry Cheddar Spread is a delicious and versatile cheese spread that combines the sharp flavor of cheddar cheese with the sweet-tart taste of cranberries. It’s a perfect addition to any cheese board, or can be used as a dip for crackers, vegetables, or fruit.

Flavor: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a hint of spice.

Delice Lincets

Delice de Bourgogne is a luxurious French triple-cream cheese produced by Fromagerie Lincet. It’s known for its rich, creamy texture and delicate flavor. The lincets come in 2 different options– papaya or cranberries. The rich, creamy cheese is coated in a layer of dried papaya or dried cranberries, which adds a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. These have a beautiful 

Flavor: Buttery, creamy, and slightly sweet with a hint of tropical fruitiness or tart cranberry

Toppings, Jams, Chutneys, and more

Vermont Creamery Vanilla Creme Fraiche

Vanilla Crème Fraîche is an exquisitely rich, slightly sweetened French-style cultured cream with a delicious dose of Madagascar vanilla. The rich taste and tangy sweetness works well on top of pie, cookies, and cobblers; at the center of a fruit plate… or eaten right from the spoon. On a charcuterie board, this Creme is great with a brie or goat cheese or can be paired with fruits and crackers

Flavor: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a rich vanilla flavor

Sandridge Cranberry Relish

Cranberries, Apples and Orange Zest come together for this cranberry relish! You get tart from the cranberries, sweet from the apples, and zesty from the oranges for a delicious and refreshing burst of flavor! It is a perfect topping for a Brie, Goat log, or can even just be a side dish for dinner.

This product is while supplies last

Flavor: sweet and tangy 

Snowdonia- Pear, Date and Cognac Chutney

Snowdonia Pear, Date & Cognac Chutney is a luxurious and flavorful condiment that perfectly complements a variety of cheeses and other foods. It offers a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly boozy flavors. It is amazing on any soft cheese or baked brie, plus it pairs well on a cheese board with sharp and salty cheddars. It can also be great as a dip for bread, crackers, or cured meats

Flavor: Sweet, tangy, a touch of boozy

Feeding Families and Their Traditions From Generation to Generation

An Italian Thanksgiving

Why not infuse a little Italian flair into your Thanksgiving feast?

Turkey and stuffing are classic Thanksgiving staples that we look forward to every year. As an Italian family, our Thanksgiving dinners always have a little Italian flare in them. Italian cuisine offers some delicious dishes that are sure to impress. Here are 5 foods and drinks that can help you in planning an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving dinner.

Italian Sausage Stuffing

Italian sausage stuffing is a flavorful and savory dish that combines the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with the comfort of traditional stuffing. We use our very own homemade Italian sausage and combine it with rice and a special blend of seasonings for a delicious and different stuffing option!

You can order yours through our catering department

Manicotti or Ravioli

Pasta is a must in any Italian meal, even Thanksgiving! Manicotti are pasta tubes are usually filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, sometimes mixed with spinach or other vegetables.

The manicotti are then covered in marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a rich, comforting, and delicious dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving!

Ravioli is another classic pasta for Thanksgiving! This stuffed pasta comes in many different filling options which make it a great option– you can do a ricotta stuffed gnocchi with sauce or embrace fall with a butternut squash ravioli!

Pasta is a typical dish you’ll find as a way to blend Italian and American culture on this holiday!

Anise

If you go to an Italian Thanksgiving you might be wondering what the white veggie might be– it’s anise, also known as fennel!

Anise is an herb in the parsley family that is known for its distinctive licorice flavor. While you can incorporate it into so many dishes, you can also eat it raw. There are tons of health benefits to anise, but you may see it on your Thanksgiving table because it is said to help with digestion and cleansing after a big meal or in between courses! 

Nutella Tiramisu

What meal is complete without dessert? Nutella tiramisu is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for chocolate and hazelnut lovers. It features layers of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, creamy mascarpone cheese mixed with Nutella, and chopped hazelnuts on top. 

We alternate layers of nutella mascarpone and regular mascarpone, then top with a delicious Nutella ganache and chopped hazelnuts. The flavors compliment each other perfectly and are a great end to a feast! Get the recipe here: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/nutella-tiramisu

A Digestivo

A digestivo is an alcoholic beverage typically consumed after a meal to aid digestion.

It’s a popular Italian tradition, often served neat or on the rocks. Digestivos are known for their unique flavors, which can range from sweet to bitter. Some include limoncello, averna, frangelico, amaro del cappo, or sambuca just to name a few! 

 Buon Appetito and Happy Thanksgiving!

Feeding Families & Their Traditions From Generation to Generation

2024 Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. However, the stress of preparing a large meal can often overshadow the joy of the holiday. That’s where our homemade Thanksgiving meals come in. These convenient options offer a variety of benefits that can help you enjoy a stress-free, but still homemade and delicious Thanksgiving feast!

Our Thanksgiving feast is expertly prepared by our chefs on Thanksgiving day. This means you can pick it up fully prepared, hot, and ready to serve.

We want you to enjoy all the aspects of Thanksgiving, so we will do the cooking for you! We offer a full feast that will make your guests full and make your Thanksgiving easier! Our homemade feast feeds 10-12 people and is made the same way you would at home! We use all natural foods, no preservatives, and the special touch that only comes with homemade food. The feast includes all the fixings for a homemade dinner!

Your meal comes with a 14-16lb turkey, three sides, gravy, cranberry sauce or jelly, and a dozen dinner rolls. There are a variety of sides to choose from, but three categories– a vegetable, a potato, and stuffing! You can choose from our variety of options in each category so that your meal will serve your guests best. You can also upgrade your stuffing and try out our Italian sausage stuffing which features our homemade sausage!

No meal is complete without dessert and Thanksgiving calls for pie! You will get a fresh baked 8-inch La Bella Romana pie, your choice of apple or pumpkin!

You can order your feast easily online here or call (630) 620-4444 ext 1040 to speak with our chefs and place your order!

Don’t need a whole feast, but want us to take care of some parts of your meal for you? We offer just the turkey–our turkeys are all natural with no added preservatives. Prepared fresh by our chefs in our kitchen commissary Thanksgiving day. It is hot, delicious, and ready to serve with no mess in your kitchen and no time spent prepping! You can browse our catering menu and pick some dishes or platters that will serve you and your guests best! We are here to help you.

As a family, we know the importance of spending quality time with each other and Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to do so. The goal of this feast is for us to take some of the stress off of the host so that you can have a relaxing, hassle free holiday without having to sacrifice a homemade, quality meal.

 All items come hot, fully cooked, and ready to serve. We are in the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning so that you don’t have to be.

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation

Caputo’s Pick of the Week– Fiuggi Water

Our week 5 pick is taking us to a little town just south of Rome known for it’s natural water! Marco’s favorite item imported from Italy is Fiuggi water

Marco, Angelo’s grandson, loves Fiuggi water because it is pure water bottled right at the source. It is packed with minerals and he loves the overall taste. 

Fiuggi water is a mineral water that originates from the town of Fiuggi, located in the province of Frosinone, Italy. Renowned for its unique mineral composition and purported health benefits, Fiuggi water has been enjoyed for centuries.

The history of Fiuggi water dates back to ancient Roman times. The Romans believed that the water had healing properties and constructed baths and aqueducts to harness its benefits. The town’s name, “Fucinus,” is believed to be derived from the Latin word “fucus,” meaning “seaweed,” suggesting that the water was thought to have marine properties.

Fiuggi water is rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and sulfate. Its unique mineral composition is attributed to the geological formations through which the water flows. These formations filter and enrich the water with minerals that contribute to its distinctive taste and potential health benefits.

Fiuggi water has been associated with various health benefits, including:

  • Digestive Health: The high mineral content of Fiuggi water can help regulate digestion and improve gut health.
  • Kidney Function: Some studies suggest that Fiuggi water may help support kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
  • Metabolic Health: The minerals in Fiuggi water can contribute to overall metabolic health and support weight management.
  • Skin Health: The alkaline nature of Fiuggi water is believed to have a beneficial effect on skin health, helping to balance pH levels and promote hydration.
  • Taste: Fiuggi water has a slightly sweet and refreshing taste, with a hint of mineral notes.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing water or looking to explore the potential health benefits of mineral water, Fiuggi water offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Its rich history, mineral composition, and purported health benefits make it a popular choice among water enthusiasts and proud Italians! 

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation

Caputo’s Pick of the Week– Castelvetrano Olive Oil

For week 4 of Italian heritage month, we head to our long aisles of olive oil! We have oil imported from all over the world, infused olive oil, domestic olive oil, and more. Among them you will find Angelo’s grandson, Robertino’s, favorite Italian item– Delallo’s Castelvetrano Olive Oil!

The secret to every good dish is a high quality olive oil. There are so many different ones out there with different tastes and compositions, but if you’re looking for a unique one, this is a must try! 

This extra virgin olive oil is made with the first cold press of olives and made exclusively with Castelvetrano olives.

The Castelvetrano olives are the key to the unique characteristics of this EVOO. These olives come from Sicily and are prized for their delicate, fruity flavor and low acidity. They have an almost buttery taste and a smooth texture. The result is a smooth, fruity olive oil.

A great feature about this oil is that it comes in a squeeze bottle with a fine tip. It makes it simple for a finishing drizzle of oil on any dish. 

Castelvetrano olive oil is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It’s perfect for:

  • Drizzling over salads: The oil’s delicate flavor complements the freshness of greens and vegetables.
  • Marinating meats and fish: Castelvetrano olive oil can infuse meats and fish with a subtle flavor and help to tenderize them.
  • Cooking vegetables: The oil’s high smoke point makes it suitable for sautéing and roasting vegetables.
  • Finishing dishes: A drizzle of Castelvetrano olive oil can add a final touch of flavor to pasta, soups, and grilled meats.

Castelvetrano olive oil is a true culinary gem that offers a unique flavor profile and a host of health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply looking to add a touch of quality to your meals, Castelvetrano olive oil is a must-try.

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation

Caputo’s Pick of the Week– Prosciutto San Daniele

For week 3 of Italian Heritage Month, Giancarlo, Angelo’s grandson and our deli buyer, takes us to our international deli for his favorite item!

When thinking of Italy, you can’t help but think of the flavorful delicious deli meat! It only makes sense that as our deli buyer, Giancarlo’s favorite Italian item is Prosciutto San Daniele.

Giancarlo says “I love this prosciutto because of its unique texture/flavor. The air temperature and moisture levels in the town of San Daniele del Friuli are perfect for curing prosciutto which makes it require less salt to cure, resulting in a sweeter, more mild flavor.” 

Prosciutto is a thin, cured meat that has become a culinary staple worldwide.

The tradition of producing prosciutto in San Daniele dates back centuries. The region’s mild climate, low humidity, and gentle breezes provide the ideal conditions for curing the meat. Over the years, local producers developed a refined process that involves careful selection of pigs, salt curing, and aging in special cellars.

Prosciutto San Daniele is characterized by its delicate flavor, sweet aroma, and slightly salty taste. The texture is smooth and tender, with a hint of nuttiness. It’s often described as “melting” on the tongue.

Imported prosciutto, especially from Italy, offers a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate. The curing process, often involving natural methods like aging in mountain caves, results in a very distinct and complex taste!

While prosciutto is great to just snack on, there are so many ways you can enjoy it!  

Charcuterie Board: Prosciutto is a classic addition to charcuterie boards, where it can be paired with a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a slice of prosciutto to your favorite sandwich or wrap for a flavor boost.

Salads: Crumble prosciutto over a salad for a savory and salty crunch.

Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with a simple sauce made with olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and prosciutto.

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation