The history of charcuterie can be traced back to ancient Roman times. The Romans used charcuterie as a way to preserve meat and other animal-based products, such as organ meat, fat, and cheese.
Charcuterie was popular among the nobility due to their access to more expensive ingredients like wild game or even exotic birds.
In the Middle Ages, charcuterie gained popularity due to its efficiency; it was a way to conserve food that would otherwise go bad. It was also an economical choice for families as they could make large batches of charcuterie and store them for later consumption.
In the early modern era, cookbooks featuring recipes for charcuterie began to appear in France and Germany. This is when charcuterie started to become a well-known and respected way of preparing food.
In the late 19th century, traditional charcuterie boards began to appear in the U.S., but they weren’t widely popularized until the 1920s with the introduction of cocktail parties. The idea spread quickly and by 1930 it was common to see elaborate charcuterie boards at cocktail parties.
Today, charcuterie boards are enjoyed all over the world. From classic combinations of cheese and cured meat to more creative options that mix fruits, nuts, and other special ingredients, there’s something for everyone on a charcuterie board.
Written by Alex Roig
Boards designed and created by Craftworks By Hickey.
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