Salami & Pepperoni – Are they the same thing?

Do you know the difference between salami and pepperoni? Is there a difference or are they the same thing? I used to ask myself these same questions until I decided to find out myself. 

Salami and Pepperonihave one main thing in common, they are both a type of sausage, otherwise these popular meat products are quite different in how they are made, taste, and used in the kitchen.  Salami is a traditional Italian sausage that is cured, fermented, and air-dried, whereas pepperoni is an American variety of salami.  Salami is typically eaten cold and used in sandwiches whereas Pepperoni is mostly popular on pizzas for its Smokey flavors and spicy taste made up of paprika and chili pepper.

What makes good pepperoni?  Quality pepperoni should have the right balance of spices and a touch of smokiness and acidity.  It makes sense that pepperoni is the most popular pizza toping in the world.  

You can order Midamar (USA) Beef Pepperoni at www.chefsplay.com to taste authentic quality pepperoni which is made in the USA with premium halal beef, no MSG, no organ meat and/or fillers.