How to Understand the Measurement of Deli Meat

Deli meats are cut to precise measurements.

Deli meats are a popular food item for sandwiches, cold meals or any food item that requires thin slices of meat. Delis use a slicing machine to cut meats and cheeses uniformly. The machines are set to specific measurements and each slice of deli meat is the same thickness based on the setting of the machine.

Instructions

1. Determine the exact amount of deli meat you want. Most deli customers request either premade foods and presliced meats, or a specific weight of deli meat. The slicing machines not only slice the meat, but they make it easier for workers to avoid overslicing the meat and to remove meat when measuring by the pound.

2. Think about what you'll be using the meat for -- sandwiches, soups or other dishes -- so you can request the correct thickness of meat. The deli worker can then adjust the slicer to cut the meat to your specifications.

3. Communicate your needs clearly to the deli worker. Do you want the meat chipped, which is an extremely thin slice, or do you need it thicker? Measuring deli meat properly avoids mistakes that lead to waste.

   Accurate meat measurements play an important role for the deli, too. According to Perishable Groups, most sales in delis come from prepared meals, which are convenient for the customer. Having exact measurements allows the deli to determine an appropriate cost for the prepared meal by knowing the exact amount or weight of meat placed in any deli sandwich or similar food item.

References

• Perishables Group: Understanding Deli Sales and Opportunities

Resources

• Specialty Food: Traditional Deli Meats Get Trendy