National Pastrami Day

Delighted man wearing a chef's hat, holding a towering pastrami sandwich, lively deli ambiance with New York-inspired decor.. — National pastrami day illustration

Hey there, pastrami lovers! Get ready to sink your teeth into a deliciously informative article all about National Pastrami Day. We've got all the juicy details, from the internet history to some fun facts that'll make you salivate. So grab a napkin and let's dive in!

When is Pastrami Day?

It's national pastrami day on the 14th January.

The Internet History of National Pastrami Day

Picture this: It's a beautiful day in cyberspace, and someone, somewhere gets hit with a major pastrami craving. Suddenly, a lightbulb flickers on above their head, and they think, 'Why don't we have a special day to celebrate this heavenly creation?' And just like that, National Pastrami Day was born. Sure, we don't have an exact date for its internet inception, but our online detectors tell us that the peak of pastrami chatter happened on January 14, 2016. It was a deli-cious day indeed!

Celebrating with Pastrami: A Delectable Tradition

Ah, National Pastrami Day... the day where we honor this succulent, smoky, and oh-so-tender meat. It's a celebration that brings us together, whether we prefer our pastrami piled high on rye bread, slathered with mustard, or tucked between two slices of a artisanal pretzel bun. From New York delis to local sandwich shops, people across the country unite in their love for pastrami on this glorious day.

Fun Fact: Pastrami, A Meaty Voyage

Did you know that pastrami has an intriguing history? It all started with Romanian immigrants who brought their traditional smoked and cured meats to the United States. The process of making pastrami involves marinating beef (usually brisket) in a blend of herbs and spices, followed by slow cooking and smoking. The result is a flavor explosion that tickles our taste buds and leaves us craving more. So next time you bite into a delectable pastrami sandwich, remember that you're savoring a slice of culinary history!

History behind the term 'Pastrami'

1880

The Birth of Pastrami

Pastrami, as we know it today, first emerged in the year 1880. The term 'pastrami' originated from the Romanian word 'pastramă,' which refers to a type of seasoned, cured and smoked meat. It was brought to the United States by Jewish immigrants hailing from Eastern Europe. These immigrants brought their traditional pastrami recipes and techniques with them, and thus, the mouth-watering delicacy made its way into American cuisine.

Late 19th Century

Pastrami Gains Popularity in New York

Pastrami quickly gained popularity in the Jewish communities of New York City during the late 19th century. Jewish delis, especially those in the Lower East Side, started serving pastrami sandwiches that became an instant hit. The combination of tender, seasoned and smoked pastrami on rye bread became an iconic New York City culinary delight and contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of the city.

Early 20th Century

Pastrami's Rise to Fame

The early 20th century witnessed the widespread popularity of pastrami outside the Jewish communities. As word of the delectable deli sandwich spread, individuals from diverse backgrounds embraced this mouthwatering treat. Delis began popping up across the city, serving plates piled high with thinly sliced, marbled pastrami, often accompanied by pickles and spicy mustard. Pastrami had become an integral part of New York City's culinary landscape.

1920s

Steaming Pastrami: The Secret Technique

In the 1920s, Jewish deli owners discovered a new method to prepare pastrami: steaming. They would smoke the pastrami first, and then steam it, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. This technique caught on quickly and is still used today to make the quintessential pastrami sandwich. The steaming process helped to preserve the succulence and unique flavor of pastrami, making it even more beloved by food enthusiasts.

21st Century

Pastrami Goes Beyond New York

Pastrami has transcended its New York roots and has become a beloved deli meat across the United States and beyond. It is not uncommon to find pastrami sandwiches on menus throughout the country, from Los Angeles to Chicago to Miami. Additionally, variations of pastrami have also emerged, such as turkey pastrami and vegetarian options made from tofu or seitan. Pastrami has become an iconic and versatile ingredient in contemporary culinary creations.

Did you know?

Fun fact: The largest pastrami sandwich ever made weighed a whopping 5,000 pounds! It took over 20 chefs and 10 hours to assemble this mammoth masterpiece. That's a whole lot of love (and meat)!