Sausages and Salami is a category of Spanish dry-cured meats, represented by the premium brands Cinco Jotas (5J) and Joselito, supplemented by Jamones Blázquez, Montesano and Can Company. The range covers four basic types - fuet, chorizo, lomo and coppa - mostly in the Iberian pig version (de bellota), but also in a classic version. The range also includes beef alternatives from the Cecinas Pablo brand for customers looking for cured meats without pork. In total the category comprises more than 40 products in various weights and price levels.
How to find your way around this category
Fuet is a thin dry-cured salami, traditionally cut into diagonal slices and intended for slicing as a starter or as tapas. Chorizo is a sausage distinctly flavoured with paprika (pimentón), available as a whole piece or in slices. Lomo is a whole cured pork loin, delicate and lean. Coppa is cured pork neck with more pronounced marbling of fat and a richer flavour.
The designation ibérico or de bellota on a product means it comes from the Iberian pig, in the latter case fattened on acorns - as with jamón, this is the highest-quality and most expensive version.
Types of cured meat - an overview
Type
Characteristics
Typical use
Fuet
Thin dry-cured salami, gently spiced
Tapas, slicing, a snack
Chorizo
Pronounced paprika (pimentón) flavour
On its own and in hot dishes
Lomo
Cured lean pork loin
Thin slices, cold platters
Coppa
Cured neck, more pronounced marbling
Thin slices, tasting
You will always find the exact composition, weight and meat content in the detail of the particular product.
Premium brands: Joselito and Cinco Jotas
Joselito and Cinco Jotas (5J) are among the most prestigious Spanish producers of Iberian cured meats, comparable in reputation with the finest producers of jamón. Their chorizo, coppa and lomo come from Iberian pigs raised on free pasture and fattened on acorns (bellota), which is reflected in a more complex, nutty flavour and a higher price than ordinary cured meats.
For customers who do not eat pork, the category also offers beef chorizo and beef salami from the Cecinas Pablo brand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fuet and chorizo?
Fuet is a thin dry-cured salami with gentler spicing, while chorizo is a sausage with a pronounced paprika (pimentón) flavour. Both are traditionally cut into thin slices.
What does the designation ibérico de bellota mean on a cured meat?
It designates a cured meat from an Iberian pig raised on free pasture and fattened on acorns - the same principle of quality as with premium jamón.
What is the difference between lomo and coppa?
Lomo is cured pork loin, lean and delicate. Coppa is cured neck with more pronounced marbling of fat and a richer, more pronounced flavour.
Are there also cured meats without pork in this category?
Yes, the Cecinas Pablo brand offers beef chorizo and beef salami as an alternative for customers who do not eat pork.
How long does a cut fuet or chorizo keep?
Once cut into, it usually keeps for several weeks when stored in a cool, dry place and wrapped to prevent it drying out. The exact use-by period is stated by the producer on the packaging.
The type of cured meat (fuet, chorizo, lomo, coppa) and the origin of the meat. Also: ibérico de bellota offers the most complex flavour at a higher price.
What we base this on
On information from the producers Joselito, Cinco Jotas, Jamones Blázquez and Montesano. Also: we verify the specific composition and weight on the individual products.
Where the limits are
The availability of premium pieces from Joselito and Cinco Jotas may change. Also: you will always find the current stock availability in the product detail.
What this category does not cover
Neither whole hams nor slicing accessories. Also: you will find those in the Jamón and Accessories categories.