This episode dives into the real meaning of charcuterie, one of the most misunderstood categories in French cuisine. While modern “charcuterie boards” are often loaded with cheese, fruit, and spreads, traditional charcuterie is rooted in the art of preserving meat, specifically cooked and cured pork products designed to last through times of scarcity.

Along the way, we break down what charcuterie actually includes, from dry-cured specialties like saucisson and jambon to potted meats like pâté, terrine, and rillettes, and how climate and region shape what gets made across France. We also unpack why the French traditionally don’t serve meat and cheese together, and how today’s interpretations have drifted from those original practices.

If you’ve ever wondered what truly counts as charcuterie, or how to recognize and appreciate it the way the French do, this episode is your guide to understanding it all.

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No one loves a maximalist style American charcuterie board more than we do. The thing is – it’s not *actually* what would count as charcuterie here in France. On this week’s episode, we are talking about what actually counts as charcuterie in France, and why the way we eat it today looks so different from how it’s traditionally served.

Listen in as we break down the real meaning of charcuterie, from its linguistic roots to its role in preserving meat before refrigeration. Along the way, we dive into why the French don’t typically serve meat and cheese together, what makes a great saucisson, and the surprising story of hams aged in church bell towers. We’ll dive into regional specialties from places like the Auvergne and Corsica, and break down common misconceptions about “charcuterie boards” as we know them today.

From dry-cured sausages to slow-cooked spreads, this episode explores the regional diversity of French charcuterie, how climate shapes what gets made, and what to look for when choosing high-quality products.

🥓 CHARCUTERIE BREAKDOWN🥓 the meat we mention in this episode:

Jambon de Paris (Cooked Ham)

• A lightly cured, unsmoked cooked ham
• Where to find it: Any traditional charcuterie shop or grocery store

Saucisson Sec (Dry-Cured Sausage)

• French-style dry-cured sausage, similar to salami
• Where to find it: charcutiers, markets, and specialty food shops, grocery stores

How to choose it (the “3 Fs”):

• Fleur → natural white mold on the outside
• Forme → irregular shape (natural casing)
• Ficelle → tied with string, not sealed with metal

Jambon Cru (Dry-Cured Ham)

• Air-dried, salt-cured ham
• Where to find it: Charcuteries, markets, wine bars, online

Notable examples:

• Jambon de Bayonne (Basque region)
• Auvergne hams – sometimes aged in high-altitude environments, including church bell towers

Corsican Charcuterie (Coppa, Figatellu, Lonzo)

• Herb-rubbed, dry-cured pork specialties
• Where to find it: Specialty shops, Corsican producers, high-end charcuteries

Types mentioned:

• Coppa → cured pork shoulder, marbled and rich
• Lonzo → lean cured pork loin
• Figatellu → fresh or dried sausage made with liver

Pâté & Pâté en Croûte

• Ground meat mixture, traditionally baked in pastry (en croûte)
• Where to find it: Charcutiers, bistros, specialty food shops

Notable detail:

• Lyon hosts a world championship dedicated to pâté en croûte

Terrine

• Similar to pâté, but baked in a dish without pastry
• Where to find it: Charcuteries, markets, traditional restaurants

Rillettes

• Slow-cooked, shredded meat mixed with fat
• Where to find it: Charcuteries, markets, wine bars, grocery stores