Bologna sandwiches are common, but have you ever wondered what’s in them? Well, bologna is made in different ways by different companies. Some use beef, chicken, or a mix of these meats.
While some bologna is made from good cuts of meat, others might use parts like organs and trimmings. However, these less desirable parts are becoming less common in today’s bologna.
The meat used in bologna is cooked and smoked, and it’s often wrapped in natural casings made from animal intestines. This might sound strange, but it’s a common way to make sausages.
In Italy, there’s a similar meat called mortadella. It’s different from American bologna because it has visible fat, peppercorns, and sometimes pistachios. American bologna has a more even texture because it’s emulsified, making it into a consistent paste.
Popular bologna brands usually include chicken, other meats, and spices like salt, pepper, celery seed, coriander, and paprika.
Some might use corn syrup for sweetness and myrtle berries for flavor. Even though the exact spice mix might be a secret, most brands list their ingredients on the packaging.
So, next time you eat a bologna sandwich, you’ll know more about what’s in it. It might be processed, but if you’re okay with that, it can still be a tasty choice. And now, you can share your newfound knowledge about bologna with others!
