Cold cuts, also known as deli meats, luncheon meats, and sliced meats, are cured or pre-cooked meats. Often available as meat loaves or sausages, these meats are sliced and served cold for parties or as quick sandwiches. Cold cuts are sold in vacuum packs at grocery stores or supermarkets. They can also be purchased at a deli counter and sliced when ordered.
There are different types of cold cuts available in the market. As these are pre-cooked meats, they are a popular choice for a quick snack or sandwich. Here’s everything you need to know about cured meats.
Where Does the Term Cold Cuts Come From?
Cold meats came into existence during the palaeolithic times when meats were sun-dried for longer conservation. However, deli meats, as they are known today, date back to 500 BC, when they became popular among the Roman and Etruscan populations.
As the name suggests, cold cuts simply mean cured or pre-cooked meat sliced and served cold in various recipes. You can use them for sandwiches, pasta dishes, and salads. They are perfect for family get-togethers or parties.
How Long Does Dry-Cured Meat Last?
Curing meats is a centuries-old practice of preservation. Cured meats are now a popular ingredient. They are prepared using a process that removes moisture, which, in turn, draws out any harmful bacteria. To preserve the meat, salt-based mixtures, including natural or synthetic ingredients like nitrates, are used to preserve the flavour, longevity, and colour of the meat.
When meat is properly cured and stored well, it can stay fresh for longer. Most cured meats can be sealed and kept fresh in the freezer for months.
Get to Know the Different Types of Cured Meats
Different types of cold cuts or cured meats are available in the market. Here are some of the most popular cold cuts that you can easily find in a deli:
Ham
Traditionally, ham is a pork cut derived from the hind legs of a hog. It is preserved through curing, salting, and smoking the meat. However, you can easily find chicken ham preserved in a similar manner. Ham is available in various flavours like Serrano ham, honey-glazed ham, Black Forest ham and dry-cured ham. Ham is served fried, baked, or boiled.
Salami
Another popular cured meat variety is salami. This meat is cured sausage fermented and air-dried. Typically made with pork, you can now easily find salami made using chicken. Popular varieties of salami are saucisson and pepperoni. Salami is great for sandwiches, pasta, and pizzas.
Bacon
Bacon is typically made with smoked pork, but you can also find bacon made with other meats like lamb or turkey. Bacon is salty, savoury, and smoky and can make any dish taste delicious. You can enjoy it with eggs for breakfast or even with Brussels sprouts.
Chorizo
Chorizo is a type of sausage made with seasoned ground or chopped pork. It is used popularly in Mexican and Spanish cuisine. Spanish chorizo is smoked pork available in two varieties—spicy or sweet. The Mexican version is made with uncooked pork seasoned with chilli peppers and vinegar. Chorizo is not only great with eggs but can be used in a variety of recipes.
Buy Licious Cold Cuts
At Licious, we offer different types of cold cuts like sausages, salami, frankfurters and lyoners to add to your dishes. Our cold cuts are made from high-grade, fresh meats that are free from any added chemicals or artificial preservatives. Your order is hygienically vacuum-packed in tamper-proof packages and delivered quickly to your doorstep. Try our delicious cold cuts to add them to pizza, pasta, and salad and enjoy with family and friends.