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The things you need to know about pastrami and their effect on your unborn baby.

Pregnant women often struggle with food cravings during pregnancy. Some crave sweets, some crave salty foods, and some even crave greasy foods. What about sandwiches? Can pregnant women eat pastrami sandwiches?

The answer is yes, but only if it is a hot pastrami sandwich. The pastrami should be heated to 165 degrees F first. Pregnant women should also avoid eating any cold deli meats unless cooked.

 In this blog post, we'll explain why pastrami or any deli meat are not recommended during pregnancy, the risks, and offer better options for pregnant women.

What Is Pastrami?

Pastrami is a type of smoked or cured meat that is usually served sliced on rye bread, and it is also known as corned beef in some regions. The term "pastrami" comes from the Spanish word Pasado meaning "spent" or "used up." In America, pastrami was introduced by Jewish immigrants making similar types of sausages for centuries.

Is Pastrami A Deli Meat?

Pastrami is considered deli meat, but not all deli meats are pastrami. Other popular deli meats include ham, turkey, chicken, and roast beef.

Types Of Pastrami

There are two types of pastrami – wet-cured and dry-cured.

Wet-Cured Pastrami

Wet-cured pastrami is made by soaking the meat in a curing solution for several days. This method results in a moister and more tender final product.

Dry-Cured Pastrami

Dry-cured pastrami is made by rubbing the meat with a mixture of salt, spices, and sugar. The meat is then left to cure for several days, and this method results in a firmer, more traditional pastrami flavor.

How Is Pastrami Made?

Pastrami is made by first curing the meat in a mixture of salt, spices, and sugar. The meat is then smoked and steamed.

Pastrami is made up primarily of lean cuts of pork such as the loin, tenderloin, and sirloin. Other ingredients used include juniper berries, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cloves, bay leaves, garlic, salt, sugar, mustard seed, and fennel seed.

Is Pastrami Safe To Eat While Pregnant?

When it comes to pregnancy and deli meats, the main concern is listeria. Listeria is a type of bacteria found in food and soil, and it can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects.

While listeria is rare, it is more likely to occur in pregnant women and can be very dangerous.

For this reason, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that pregnant women avoid all deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Additionally, most deli meats are high in sodium and fat, which is why they are not the best choice for pregnant women.

What Are The Risks Of Eating Pastrami While Pregnant?

The main risk of eating pastrami or any deli meat while pregnant is the risk of listeriosis. As we mentioned earlier, listeriosis is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

While listeriosis is rare, it is more likely to occur in pregnant women and can be very dangerous.

Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects. Additionally, it can lead to a serious illness called sepsis, which can be fatal.

For this reason, pregnant women need to avoid all deli meats unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Are There Any Other Risks Of Eating Pastrami While Pregnant?

In addition to the risks of listeriosis, pastrami and other deli meats are also high in sodium and fat.

Pregnant women should avoid foods that are high in sodium as they can increase the risk of high blood pressure and swelling.

Additionally, pregnant women should limit their intake of saturated and trans fats as they can increase the risk of obesity and other health problems.

Benefits Of Eating Pastrami On A Pregnant Woman

While there are some risks associated with eating pastrami while pregnant, there are also some potential benefits.

Pastrami is a good source of protein, which is essential for the baby's development. Additionally, it is a good source of iron and B vitamins.

However, the risks outweigh the benefits. The most effective method of protecting your unborn child is to avoid eating deli meats until after pregnancy.

How To Safely Eat Pastrami When Pregnant

If you are pregnant and craving a pastrami sandwich, your best bet is to make it at home. That way, you can control the cooking temperature and avoid any potential risks.

Here are some tips for making a safe and delicious pastrami sandwich at home:

-Start with high-quality meat. Look for lean cuts of pork such as the loin, tenderloin, or sirloin. Avoid any meat that has a lot of fat or gristle.

-Make sure the meat is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F.

-Slice the meat thinly. This will help it to heat evenly and prevent it from drying out.

-Avoid adding any raw or uncooked ingredients to prevent food poisoning. This includes things like soft cheese, blue cheese, mayonnaise, or raw onions.

-Serve the sandwich on toasted bread. This will also help to prevent the meat from drying out.

How To Make A Hot Pastrami Sandwich

If you are looking to make a hot pastrami sandwich, you will need to cook the meat before adding it to the sandwich.

Here are some tips for cooking the perfect hot pastrami sandwich:

1| Start by heating the meat. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees F.

2| Once the meat is heated, add it to the sandwich.

3| If you are using a skillet, cook the sandwich for about 2 minutes per side. If you are using the oven, bake the sandwich for 10-15 minutes.

4| Serve the sandwich on toasted bread with your favorite condiments.

Here is a simple hot pastrami sandwich recipe you can try.

Ingredients:

-1 pound lean pastrami

-8 slices rye bread

-1 cup sauerkraut

-1 cup prepared mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Arrange the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a layer of sauerkraut and a slice of cheese.

3. Bake the sandwiches for 10 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

4. Serve immediately.

How Can Pregnant Women Eat Cold Cuts Foods Safely?

Pregnant women can eat cold cuts safely by heating them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they should avoid eating any raw or uncooked ingredients and only consume sandwiches on toasted bread.

Safe Alternatives To Pastrami For Pregnant Women

If you are pregnant and craving a pastrami sandwich, there are some safe alternatives that you can try.

Some safe alternatives to pastrami include:

  • Roasted chicken
  • Smoked salmon
  • Tuna salad
  • Egg salad
  • Hummus
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Final Thoughts On Pastrami And Pregnancy

Pregnant women can eat pastrami sandwiches safely as long as the meat is heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, they should avoid eating any raw or uncooked ingredients and only consume sandwiches on toasted bread.

If you found this article helpful, make sure to check out our ultimate guide on food safety for pregnant women.

Pregnancy Food Related Articles:

  • Can You Eat Beef Jerky While Pregnant
  • Can Pregnant Women Eat Crawfish?
  • Can Pregnant Women Eat Caviar?
  • Can Pregnant Women Eat Olives?
  • Can Pregnant Women Eat Ceviche? Is it Safe For Your Baby?
Can you eat pastrami while pregnant? Check out the things you need to know about pregnancy and pastrami.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Pastrami Sandwiches? (What You Need To Know About Deli Meats And Pregnancy)