Charcuterie (/ʃɑːrˈkuːtəri/ , shar-KOO-tər-ee, also US: /ʃɑːrˌkuːtəˈriː/ , -EE; French: [ʃaʁkyt(ə)ʁi] ; from chair, 'flesh', and cuit, 'cooked') is a branch of French cuisine devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit, primarily from pork.[1]
Charcuterie is part of the garde manger chef's repertoire. In larger restaurants, a dedicated specialist known as a charcutier may prepare charcuterie instead of the garde manger. Originally intended as a way to preserve meat before the advent of refrigeration, meats are prepared today for their flavors derived from the preservation processes.[2]