Gastropod Deli is Short For Delicious—But Are Your Pastrami and Bologna Sandwiches Giving You Cancer?
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Sep 3, 2024 Join chef Jeremy Omansky, a charcuterie expert, and author David Sachs, who unveils the history of delicatessens. Discover the surprising origins of beloved deli meats and their cultural significance in America. The conversation dives into the health controversies surrounding processed meats after a WHO warning. Learn about the evolution of pastrami and Jewish deli traditions, and the innovative techniques, including 'meat glue,' transforming meat processing. It's a delicious blend of culinary history and modern food science!
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Saltpeter's Role
- Saltpeter, or potassium nitrate, was discovered to enhance meat preservation and maintain its red color.
- It also prevents botulism, a dangerous bacteria thriving in low-oxygen environments like bagged, diced meat.
Delicatessen Origins
- The word "delicatessen" originates from the Latin word "delicatess," meaning exciting or enticing.
- This evolved into a type of food store, popularized in Germany, offering imported and fancy foods.
Jewish Deli's American Roots
- The Jewish deli emerged in America, not Europe, as Jewish immigrants, initially poor and kosher-observant, gradually opened these establishments.
- With access to affordable beef, they created iconic deli meats like pastrami, corned beef, and tongue.
