We are a nation of meat eaters – and of very large portions. In 2014, one American has consumed over 270 pounds of beef. The total beef consumed by the entire country world is about 500 billion pounds. Even turkey and chicken meat have increased last year, exceeding beef consumption for the first time in 100 years.
Deli meat has grown more popular too. Of all meat consumed, deli meat comprises 15%, which is significant, considering the large chunks of meat at that is eaten per day. Deli meats and lunch meats are the first options for fast and healthy eating, especially for people on the go, and even with low budgets.
Consumers have recently weighed in on their top deli meat preferences. Here is what people are buying and why.
Chicken breast
It’s one of the healthiest chicken meat and perhaps that’s why people are buying more. One serving of chicken breast weighs 4 to 6 ounces, which is about 4 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Chicken breast is rich with vitamin B complex, C, D and E. It is a source of niacin and magnesium.
Chicken breast, depending on how it is cooked, only has about 250 calories. It is so versatile it can be used for soups, sandwiches, pasta. Any way of cooking chicken breast is surely filling and tasty.
Try curried maple-mustard chicken breast or basting chicken breast with a mixture of mustard, maple syrup, curry powder and spices. It’s a scrumptious non-traditional way of cooking chicken breast and will make your dinners at home more exciting.
Beef
Beef cold cuts can be in the form of strips or can be sliced. Pure beef meat can be roasted or grilled, or mixed with pork to make ham or sausages. Whatever the form, American consumers love beef deli meat.
Why not? Beef is delicious in a Philly steak sandwich, which is chunks of beef with white onions and 8 slices of Provolone cheese. The calorie count on beef is pretty high though. Two ounces of beef already has 70 calories and 30mg of cholesterol.
Bologna sausage
This sausage famous in Africa as well. Africans refer to it as the “Polony”, which is highly seasoned at hot smoked.
A medium slice of bologna is about 4.5 inches in diameter and 1/8 inches thick. One slice has 69 calories. It’s famous for, of course, the bologna sandwich. This sandwich is known as the baloney sandwich or bologna sausage slices with tomatoes, onions, pickles and cheese with ketchup and mustard.
Ham
Ham is a meat that is cut from the leg of a swine. This meat can be cured, salted, smoked or wet cured. It’s second to the most famous cold cut in America and around the world. Aside from sandwiches, ham can be used in various dishes.
The most famous ham and cheese melt is the most sought after ham sandwich recipe. Many deli patrons love ham mainly because of its richness and flavor. Ham is low in calorie too, because one slice of extra lean boneless ham only has 206 calories.
Turkey meat
The most bought cold cut in America is turkey meat. It is the leanest form of meat and can be ground,
Three ounces of turkey are only 88 calories. This is plenty for a filling sandwich or a delightful salad with olive oil vinaigrette. Turkey as well goes well with wraps and Asian sauces.
Many people with heart problems opt to eat turkey breast because this deli meat can lower cholesterol and high blood sugar levels. It’s likewise a high source of protein without the extra fat.
Prized deli meats are available at Kroger’s or Whole Foods, and a whole variety of ingredients that will complement these famous cuts in delicious concoctions at home. These delis make sure that these meats are well preserved and bacteria free.
