Lunch meat

Lunch meat, also known as cold cuts, deli meat, or sliced meat, is a type of pre-cooked or cured meat, often sausages or meat loaves, that are sliced and served cold or hot on sandwiches or on party trays.

History

The practice of slicing meat for convenience dates back to the 17th century, but the term "lunch meat" came into use in the early 20th century in the United States. The popularity of lunch meat has grown with the rise of refrigeration and the need for quick, portable meals.

Types

There are many types of lunch meat, including but not limited to:

• Ham: A popular type of lunch meat, often smoked or cured.
• Turkey: Often used as a lower-fat alternative to other meats.
• Roast beef: A traditional British lunch meat.
• Salami: A type of cured sausage, usually spicy.
• Bologna: A type of Italian sausage that is often used in sandwiches.
• Pastrami: A smoked and seasoned meat of Romanian origin.
• Corned beef: Beef that has been cured in a salt brine.

Health concerns

While lunch meat is convenient and tasty, there are some health concerns associated with its consumption. Many lunch meats are high in sodium and fat, and some are made with preservatives like sodium nitrate, which has been linked to certain types of cancer. It is recommended to consume lunch meat in moderation and to choose low-sodium and low-fat options when possible.

See also

• List of smoked foods
• List of sandwiches
• Charcuterie
• Food preservation