dumb question

[shoepk]

I know this might sound dumb to everyone but I honestly don't know. What is processed meat? Please don't tell me it's what you buy at the deli because i eat turkey and cheese rollups all the time with mayonnaise and they are great.

[not2late]

Re: dumb question

I know this might sound dumb to everyone but I honestly don't know. What is processed meat? Please don't tell me it's what you buy at the deli because i eat turkey and cheese rollups all the time with mayonnaise and they are great.

Well, most deli products are processed: bologna, some hams, cold cuts, most turkey or chicken products. Some deli foods, like roast beef or natural roast turkey breast are not processed. Basically, if the block of meat is in a square, round or oval shape, it's processed.

[Miss Phode]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't all ham processed? It's cured, isn't it? They add flavorings and whatnot, to give it that hammy flavor.

[not2late]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't all ham processed? It's cured, isn't it? They add flavorings and whatnot, to give it that hammy flavor.

Depends on the ham, there are "real" hams which are cured in salt, like the Smithfield ham. These hams are pork legs that have been salted, aged and sometimes smoked. They are wrapped in canvas or burlap. The Smithfield ham meat looks dehydrated and needs to be soaked in water before cooking to remove some of the salt and to "plump up" the flesh. Then there are hams that are made by chopping up pork, mixing it with salt, and other things, adding "flavors" and gelatin to help it form into a block. The ham is then cooked, cooled and sold as "ham".

So, while hams are processed (salted, cured, etc.), some hams are more processed than others.

[shoepk]

o ok so basically I shoudn't be eating the rollup correct?

[not2late]

Well, according to the rules, you should be avoiding meats cured with nitrates, which knocks out about 90% of all deli meats. Plus, you should be avoided things with added sugar, which knocks out 99% of all deli meats.

[Finelly]

If it's natural roast turkey breast at the deli counter, it's ok. Avoid the smoked for now, as it is processed.

I personally eat salami a couple of times a week but I know that it doesn't stall me.