Deli Meats are a Staple of American Life
Deli meats are pre-cooked types of meat that are sliced and served either warm or cold on sandwiches. They are also referred to as cold, cooked or lunch meats. These types of meat need heating to enhance their safety; for old people, warm to 50 degrees while for a pregnant woman, heating to 165 degrees is recommended.
Premium deli meats are low in calories and a great source of vitamins B and E, lean protein, iron, zinc, and magnesium. In fact, they are said to build muscle strength and bones, boost the immune system as well as hinder from the harmful oxidation of cells. However, they also have been associated with risk of cancer and contain nitrates due to use of naturally occurring ones, for instance, sea salt and celery. That’s why it’s important to go with deli meat manufacturers who use natural ingredients and stay away from too many artificial elements like nitrates. After purchase, deli meats should be consumed within 3 days since the refrigerator is a good habitat for bacteria like listeria. For a person with a low sodium diet, choose deli meats that come with low amounts of sodium.
The history of deli meats is wide and long with their manufacture starting almost a century ago. To understand more on this, we look at the best-known companies for manufacturing premium deli meats.
1. Thumanns
The company was founded by Mr. Henry Thumanns in 1949 who started his career as a butcher and later became a master butcher. He created his own recipes using knowledge acquired on recipe creation, meat curing, and spices. When using quality cuts with right blending of spinners, Mr. Thumanns found that there was no necessity of using neither artificial flavors and coloring, fillers, MSG nor high amounts of sodium. This shows the reason for high-quality manufacturing through to the third generation in the family.
2. Dietz & Watson
This company was founded by Gottlieb Dietz back in 1939 in Philadelphia and has continued to manufacture the best deli meat in the area. In fact, it is said to be among the finest producer of premium deli meats with a wide supply of around 400 products globally. They use lean beef, turkey, ham, and chicken all hand trimmed in a quality manner and strictly no use of artificial flavors and colors, fillers or MSG just like in Thumanns. Dietz & Watson has found a following among deli lovers.
3. Kretschmar
Kretschmar has been in deli meats industry since 1883 during which it has dedicated to giving quality products. By the use of finest cuts, they hand trim their poultry and beef while hams are manufactured with the help of a rare hardwood in a smoking process. Some of the products that the company offers are off-the-bone and off full line deli meats which are sliced from boniest, very tender cuts. Other products from the company are old world lunchmeats, ham, chicken, turkey as well as deli prepared food and snacking and deli pre-sliced.
Another player in the premium deli meats is Glen Rock Hams. Founded by 3 brothers and now continued by a family of deli meat manufacturers who love and care about producing the best deli meats on the market. They offer a full range of meat products including sausages, broiled ham, smoked ham, cured pork, and other products.
Deli meats are definitely a nutritional type of meat which you may consider including in your diet for those who are yet to. If you already consume it, then it’s advisable to proceed provided you observe the few negatives it can cause to our health. The benefits that these meats give to us are great and worth in terms of nutrition. Now you know some history of deli meats.