Why are coldcuts thin-sliced? (loin, bread, commercials, meat)

[Green Irish Eyes]

Long-time vegetarian here, so please humor me .....

I'm always puzzled when I see commercials that describe deli-style coldcuts as "shaved" or "thin sliced." Does it really matter how thin/thick a piece of meat is sliced?

Why? <*scratching head in puzzlement*>

Thanks!

[LaceyEx]

To me it does. Like my coldcuts sliced thin and that seems to not be the norm out here so I have found a specialty deli where I get them sliced thin.

[MB2]

To some, the preference are the thin sliced deli meats/ cold cuts, rather then having a big "chunk" on your bread to chew trough.
I like it "in the middle"....not thick, but not to thin either.
It doesn't influence the taste or texture, and it's just personal preference, really.
I only know, that deli clerks dread slicing lunch meat thin, or shaving it.
It takes an enormous time for them to get done, and their arm is ready to "fall off" when they filled some orders...especially, if it's a larger quantity.....LOL.

[findinghope]

yes i always ask the deli person to SLICE THIN because to me it tastes better to have 2 or three thinly sliced slices of meat or cheese than to have one thick piece. it's the same weight, but causes a different affect in my mouth and on my taste buds.

[Green Irish Eyes]

Originally Posted by findinghope

yes i always ask the deli person to SLICE THIN because to me it tastes better to have 2 or three thinly sliced slices of meat or cheese than to have one thick piece. it's the same weight, but causes a different affect in my mouth and on my taste buds.

Makes sense -- thanks !

[Denise in Fla]

I also prefer thin sliced, don't like biting into a big slab of meat. My hubby prefers it to be a little thicker.

[LittleMissSunshine]

Can't you decide how you want them?? They always ask me.

I love thin sliced though. I think it is easier to eat in a sandwich.

[metropolistraffic]

I prefer thin sliced.
I like to play around when placing the cuts on my sandwich. I put the meat / cheese in patterns on each side, then combine it.

I did try this thicker ham once, and, eh. the taste just wasn't there. ;/

[kelsie]

I get Boar's Head cold cuts and they have to be sliced just above shaving. It makes all the difference in the world for a great tasting sandwich. American cheese a little thicker and stacked.

[Aprilll]

Originally Posted by kelsie

I get Boar's Head cold cuts and they have to be sliced just above shaving. It makes all the difference in the world for a great tasting sandwich. American cheese a little thicker and stacked.

I agree with the just above shaved making all the difference. The texture I'm sure has much to do with it. But think about it, doesn't ground sirloin taste extremely different than say the whole form of the steak. textures do make a difference on my tastebuds for sure.