Types of Processed Meat

What is Processed Meat?

Processed Meat: -

Processed meats are meats that have been preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or adding chemical preservatives. It is the flesh of different animal from which some types of meat can be eaten as raw and some of its types can be eaten in a Processed from it can't be eaten as raw. So that type of meat can be called as processed meat and preservation of that meat is very necessary to prevent them from bacterial growth or spoilage.

Types of Processed Meat: - 

There are various types of processed meat are there that can be liked by many of the people. Processed meat can contain Basically, all the types of meat can be included in the type of processed meat. Let's have a look on all the types of Processes Meat: -

1. Cured Meats: -

Cured meats is the type of meat that are preserved by using salt, nitrates/nitrites, sugar, and sometimes spices. This is necessary to preserve the meat and protect the meat from spoilage. This method slows the bacterial growth and enhances flavor the meat and can increase the shelf life of the meat.

Examples: -

Ham, Bacon, Prosciutto, Pancetta

Uses: -

• Processed Meat is very popular in breakfast dishes like bacon & eggs. These items are very rich in proteins and provide energy to the body, so it can be taken in the breakfast so that our body feels fresh and energetic.
• Processes meat are also used in sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and pasta that can like by many meat eaters because it enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
• It can be used a charcuterie boards and appetizers also.

Health Benefits:

• Processed Meats are very high in protein that is very beneficial for us.
• It can also contain iron and B vitamins especially B12 which is very difficult to find in plant-based food sources.
• It can also use to cure some meats like prosciutto that have healthy fats in moderation and these facts are very beneficial for our bone health.

2. Smoked Meats: -

Smoked meats can be preserved and flavored by exposing them to smoke from burning wood or other materials. Smoking can be done with meat products to give smoky flavor to the dishes that can create an different taste of the dish. Smokyness of the meats can also use to enhance the flavor of the meat along with the spices. It can enhance the flavor and fragrance of the dish.

Examples: -

Smoked Sausage, Smoked Ham, Smoked Turkey

Uses: -

• If we used smoky meats in sandwiches, soups and stew it can add a smoky flavor to sandwiches, soups, stews which can completely change the taste of the dish.
• Smkoked Meat can also be used in festive and BBQ dishes because many people like to eat that dish.
• Smoked meat is also very popular in deli meats.

Health Benefits:

• Smoked meat is a good source of protein and essential amino acids that is very beneficial for us.
• Smoking can adds antioxidants that are naturally present in wood smoke. The wood that we are using to give tge smoky flavor to the meats.
• For smoked meats turkey or chicken versions can be considered as a leaner option.

3. Salted and Brined Meats: -

Salted and Brined Meats are the meats that can be preserved by soaking in saltwater brine or applying dry salt to reduce spoilage. This method can be used to prevent the meat from spoilage because adding a pinch of salt on meats can reduce the growth of bacteria and it also enhance the flavor of the meats it can make the flavor of the raw meat a little bit salty.

Examples: -

Corned Beef, Pastrami, Pickled Tongue

Uses:

• Salted meats are very common in deli sandwiches because it helps to give the salty flavor to the sandwiches. (e.g., Reuben sandwich)
• Salted meats are mostly served during holidays or on any cultural meals where there is a culture of having salted meat as a meal on any particular occasion.
• It also adds a  depth to stews and hash recipes which can enhance the flavor of each and every recipe.

Health Benefits:

• Brined meats are very rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 which is very difficult to find in plant based food sources. 
• It also helps to replenish sodium in high-intensity that is very useful in work or sports.
• Salted and Brined meats have long shelf life and easy storage.

4. Fermented Meats: -

Fermeted meats are the meats that can be processed using beneficial bacteria or yeast that ferment sugars in the meat and help in improving the flavor of the meat and it also increase the safety, and shelf life of the meat. Fermented meat can be mostly used in various dishes where fermentation helps to make the meat soft, juicy and delicious.

Examples: -

Salami, Pepperoni, Chorizo

Uses:

• Fermented meats have very soft and juicy texture which is mostly used in toppings on pizza.
• It can also be used as snacks and appetizers which have very delicious taste.
• Fermented meats also used in sandwiches, wraps, and pasta to enhance the flavour of that particular dishes.

Health Benefits:

• Fermentation can enhance digestibility so to digest tge fermented neat is very easy. 
• Fermented meats can also show the probiotic effects but only when if it is not cooked.
• Fermented meats can be packed with proteins and flavor which have bright and colorful wrappers.

5. Sausages and Hot Dogs: -

Sausages and Hot dogs are mostly referred to as ground or minced meat which are mixed with spices, fat, and additives and then shaped into casings and these casings can be used in various food items.

Examples: -

Hot Dogs, Bologna, Bratwurst

Uses:

• Sausages and Hot dogs are mostly available in grilled or fried form that are mostly used in fast food and BBQs.
• These food items can also be used in breakfast dishes or casseroles.
• Sausages and Hot dogs are the types of meats that are served with buns, rice, or pasta.

Health Benefits:

• These meat itens are very convenient in  protein source. 
• Sausages and Hot dogs are available in lower-fat chicken or turkey versions.
• Some of the meat items can contain added nutrients like iron and vitamin B6.

6. Canned Meats: -

Canned Meats are the meats that are precooked and sealed in cans and sterilized for long-term storage and prevent them from spoilage.

Examples: -

Canned Ham, SPAM, Canned Chicken/Beef

Uses:

• Canned Meats can be used when we need emergency food supply.
• Canned Meats are also used as a quick meal addition to sandwiches, soups, or rice.
• It can also be referred to as easy protein source for campers/travelers.

Health Benefits:

• Canned Meats have long shelf life that are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals which are very beneficial for our body health.
• Canned Meats are also very convenient and affordable because we can take Canned Meats with us anytime and anywhere and it can be at very cheap prices so it can be affordable for each and everyperson.
• There are some of the variety of the canned meats that provide essential minerals like phosphorus and zinc.

7. Dried Meats: -

Dried meats are also referred to as dehydrated meats where moisture is removed from the meat to inhibit bacterial growth. The moisture from the meat can be removed to prevent the meat from spoilage and to increase its shelf life and there are most of the people that like dried meat because many types of dried meats can be eaten as raw or it can be eaten in processed form.

Examples: -

Jerky, Biltong

Uses:

• Dried meats are light in weight so that it can be used as a snack for hiking or travel.
• All dries meats are high in protein and that high-protein snack can be consumes more for fitness diets.
• It can also be added to soups or salads.

Health Benefits:

• Dried meats are high in protein and low in fats but only when it have lean cuts in their meats products.
• It also contains zinc, iron, and B vitamins which us very beneficial for our body and bone health.
• No refrigeration is needed for dried meat because it is free from water and moisture and moisture is the main source for the bacterial growth and if there is no water or moisture in the meat then the meat is free from bacteria growth so there is no chance of meat spoilage.