Pastrami

Pastrami is a type of cured, seasoned, smoked, and steamed meat, most commonly made from beef. It is prepared by brining the meat, coating it with a spice mixture (often including black pepper, coriander, garlic, and paprika), then smoking and steaming it until tender. This process gives pastrami its distinctive flavor and texture.

Pastrami is primarily consumed as a deli meat, valued for its rich, savory flavor and tender texture. It is a popular ingredient in sandwiches, particularly the Reuben, and can also be found in salads, appetizers, and other prepared meals. Its main function is to provide a flavorful protein component to dishes.

Pastrami is a processed meat product. The FDA regulates meat products to ensure safety and proper labeling. Like many processed meats, pastrami can be high in sodium and saturated fat. The FDA Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping saturated fat intake to under 10% of daily calories. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). JECFA and EFSA primarily evaluate food additives and would not typically assess a whole food product like pastrami in the same manner.