Salami is a type of cured sausage consisting of fermented and air-dried meat, typically beef or pork.Historically, salami was popular among Southern European peasants because it stores at room temperature for up to 40 days once cut, potentially supplementing a meager or inconsistent supply of fresh meat.he word salami in English comes from the plural form of the Italian salame; it is a singular or plural word in English for cured meats of a European, particularly Italian, style.