The Type Of Meat You Buy May Be Holding Up Your Deli Order

A stop by the deli counter is a must during your weekly grocery haul. Between the colorful bricks of cheddar, gouda, and Havarti alongside the many varieties of luncheon meat lining the deli case, it's all too tempting to resist. Cold cuts are a particularly great addition to your shopping cart as they can easily be turned into a meal, melting away time during meal prep. That said, to maintain efficiency, there are a few types of deli meat that are best to avoid when placing your order at the counter if you're in a rush.

Pistachio-speckled mortadella, hearty slices of roast beef, spicy salami, herb-crusted turkey breast, or glazed ham — these are just some of the many cooked and cured meats available for slicing. All charcuterie board superstars, these meats can add some protein and panache to recipes like pasta, quiches, casseroles, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. 

However, Taste explains that because most have higher levels of fat and salt, this might mean modifying recipes slightly. But, while working with more richly seasoned deli meats might mean faster meal assembly, it might not always be such a time-saving hack when you shop.

Waiting in line can be insufferable, especially if that line is the deli counter queue and your stomach is starting to grumble. If you've ever wondered why some orders seem to take longer than others, you're not alone. But, you might be surprised to learn that the secret behind the wait times actually relates to which meats are ordered.

According to The Takeout, super saucy or spiced meats can prolong time at the deli counter as these coatings can cling to slicers, requiring additional cleaning to prevent the cross-contamination and leaching of flavors. That said, the main offenders tend to be anything sticky such as buffalo-glazed chicken, barbecue-laden turkey, or honey-glazed ham. Likewise, peppercorn-crusted, robustly herby, and generously spiced meats can also hold up your deli order.

Bottom line: Preference is preference. If you're willing to wait for messier meats to be sliced, but still want to speed things along at the deli counter, there are some other things you can do. Taking a number (even if there are only a few others in line) can massively help streamline operations. 

Then, when it's finally your turn, Taste of Home recommends effectively communicating, this isn't the time to be scrolling or chatting on the phone! When you're at the front of the line, it's important to know the amount and specific varieties of meat you want. As always, a bit of kindness and patience go a long way too.