What does "charcuterie" mean in French?

The term "charcuterie" in French specifically refers to a variety of prepared meats, particularly cured or cooked meats. The word is derived from "chair" which means meat and "cuit," which means cooked. In culinary contexts, charcuterie often encompasses a range of products such as sausages, pâtés, and cured hams that require specific preparation and curing methods to develop their distinct flavors. This makes "cooked flesh" the correct interpretation, as it aligns with the traditional application of the word in French cuisine.

In contrast, options like raw vegetables, steamed meats, and grilled fish do not capture the essence of what charcuterie represents, which centers around the preparation of meats rather than vegetables or other types of cooking methods.