Delicatessen

Delicatessen is a retail establishment that sells a selection of unusual or foreign prepared foods. The term "delicatessen" means "delicacies" or "fine foods". In English, "delicatessen" originally meant only this specially prepared food.

History

The first delicatessens to appear in the United States were in New York City in the mid-1800s, with the first known use of this word occurring in 1889. These catered to the German immigrant population living there.

Types of Food

Delicatessens might sell their foods by weight such as cured meats, head cheese, sausages, ham, liverwurst and salami. Many delis provide foods from different cultures and countries, a trend which has spread to supermarkets and grocery stores all over the world.

Delicatessen Around the World

In most of Europe, "delicatessen" means high-quality, expensive foods and specialty items. It is not uncommon for a supermarket to have a "deli department".

United States

In the United States, a delicatessen or deli is a type of business which in addition to selling cured meats, sausages and cheeses, offers a varying menu of sandwiches, made-to-order sandwiches and salads. These are served from a counter located within the store.

Germany

In Germany, shops that sell delicatessen meats are called "Metzgerei", "Fleischerei", or "Schlachterei". They sell cooked and raw pork products and other meats and poultry.

See Also

• Butcher
• Charcuterie
• Grocery store
• Supermarket

References

• Italian deli in Rome
  Italian deli in Rome
• Foie gras with Sauternes
  Foie gras with Sauternes
• Continental deli in Five Dock
  Continental deli in Five Dock
• La Pineda delicatessen
  La Pineda delicatessen
• A deli in the United States
  A deli in the United States