Deli Delights

A Short History

Delicatessen is a term meaning "delicacies" or "fine foods." Delicatessen originally meant only this specially prepared food. In time, the delicatessen store where this food was sold came to be called a delicatessen, and in this sense is often abbreviated to deli. In Europe, "delicatessen" has a different meaning than in the United States as it designates top-quality (and top-price) foodstuffs, stores, and counters (think Harrod’s in London, for example).

What's At The Deli?

Here are some things you might not know about what goes on at the deli counter …

• Sliced whole roasted ham, turkey, and pot roast are known in deli-speak as "whole cuts." Far more common, though, are processed meats, which tend to be fattier and are made by adding preservatives (mostly salt) and sometimes fillers to ground meat. You can usually recognize processed meats by their unnaturally uniform shape (they fit better on a bun that way). The best way to make sure you're getting a whole cut? Ask for it!
• A study in the journal Circulation found that about two slices of processed red meats (such as bologna and salami) increases heart-disease risk by 42 percent and diabetes risk by 19 percent. Why? Processed meats typically contain nitrates, chemicals added for flavor and color, and it’s the nitrates that raise your risk. But this doesn't mean you can never have another pastrami on rye—just make sure it's loaded with greens! The antioxidants in vegetables can prevent nitrates from converting into cancer-causing compounds, so stuff your sandwich with lots of veggies, not just lettuce. Spinach, alfalfa, and tomatoes are all high in antioxidants and nutrients and low in calories."
• Swiss cheese has 83 percent less sodium than American cheese, and more calcium—about 25 percent of the recommended daily value. And although no regular cheese can claim to be low-fat, mozzarella is the best, with about six grams of fat per ounce. Ask for your order to be sliced thin—not only will you save calories, but thin cheese slices are a better choice for hot sandwiches.

Bliss Shurfine Food Mart Deli

As you probably know, Bliss Shurfine Food Mart is proud of its deli selections. We can make hot and cold sandwiches while you wait, and serve up party platters, individual requests, and cheese plates. Plan your next party around our deli and you won’t go wrong!