Eating raw pepperoni is a topical issue since pepperoni is a very popular and much-loved topping for pizza. Everyone looks forward to the red, spicy, and flat meat on their pizza, and we are sure you do too.
In short: Yes, It is alright to indulge yourself with some uncooked tasty pepperoni. This is because the pepperoni offered at local shops is usually uncooked, but has been processed.
The methods used to process and preserve the pepperoni include curing, fermentation, and drying. Pork and beef are mashed together and then mixed with spices and seasonings.
To prevent the unwanted bacteria from growing, salt and sodium nitrite are added however, we do not recommend you make a habit of this as these bacteria may still lurk around, and to avoid issues, it’s best to cook them to get rid of anything harmful. More on this below.
Pepperonis Explained: Where They Come From
Pepperoni is a processed dried and cured sausage, made from pork and beef or just pork and also mixed with spices and seasonings. It goes through three major processes of curing, dehydrating, and fermentation, to prevent the growth of bacteria and also preserve for a long time.
It is usually soft, bright red, spicy, and smoky. It can either be bought whole or sliced.
Modern varieties of pepperoni are made in the United States and other parts of the world, but its origin is in Rome, where meat was usually cured and dried by the Roman soldiers. The spicy meat was fermented and dried out to avoid the need for refrigeration, as the soldiers were always on the move.
Due to the processing, this spicy flavored and chewy meat contains a lot of sugar, saturated fat, preservatives, sodium, and calories. It also contains vitamins, minerals, protein, and fat that are healthy for the diet, if consumed in good proportions.
You should bear in mind that pepperoni is processed meat, and although it has a great taste, it may put the health at risk, if consumed too much, because it contains sodium, calories, cholesterol, and nitrates.
How Pepperoni Is Actually Made
A selection of seasonings and spices are used in making the pepperoni, and it goes through different processes to come out in its beautiful and tasty form.
If you have ever wondered how the tasty pepperoni is made since it is said that you can eat it without being cooked and you are interested in knowing the procedures used in making the pepperoni that makes it ready to eat, check this out.
- Specific parts of the pork or meat are cut off, to get a proportionate amount of fat.
- The portions of this meat are then ground in such a way that it still has a firm texture.
- Seasonings such as anise, allspice, pepper, salt, sugar, and paprika, are added. Also, sodium nitrate is added to give the meat a cured flavor and prevent the growth of bacteria.
- The ground pork is then loaded into a mixer, and then lactic acid used for fermentation is added, the seasoning and also concentrated liquid paprika are added, and they are thoroughly mixed.
- After mixing, the meat is transferred into a container where they are either sliced or made into sausage shapes.
- After this, the meat is fermented, smoked, and dried in a smokehouse.
- The process of fermentation increases the acidity in the meat prevents harmful bacteria from growing, and produces the desired fermented flavor.
- It takes 14 hours and a temperature of 25° C in the smokehouse to reach the target level of acidity.
- Several smoking cycles are required just so that the meat appears in the right color and acquires that slightly sweet and smoky taste.
- The heat is then increased to cook the meat to a safe point of consumption.
- After this, it is then packaged either by wrapping it up or in a natural casing and airtight, and ready for consumption.
How Peperoni Is Preserved
As we have stated earlier, Pepperoni is conserved through curing, fermentation, and drying. After drying, the pepperoni is cut up, packed, and distributed to shops and restaurants, where it is used to make great meals, especially pizzas.
Pepperoni is also enjoyed in grilled cheese sandwiches, omelets, cheese plates, potatoes, salad, casseroles, soups, and bread. Whole pepperonis can be kept frozen for as long as six weeks and if it is sliced pepperoni, it can be in the refrigerator for many months.
If the pepperoni is however exposed to air or heat, it will cause the sausage to be bad. Consumption of bad sausage is extremely dangerous to the body and will cause irritation to the stomach.
Is It Okay To Eat Pepperoni Raw?
It is okay to eat raw pepperoni. Pepperoni is processed meat that has been cured and fermented, and the undesired bacteria have been removed, a great deal, because moisture fosters microbes, but the liquids in the pepperoni have been dried out, with the processes.
Is Pepperoni Edible Without Cooking?
Yes. Pepperoni is edible without cooking, as it is cured sausage, and whether cooked or uncooked, it is a go-to meal or snack. Too much pepperoni can however cause health issues, so we advise that you eat either cooked or uncooked pepperoni moderately.
Can You Eat Packaged Pepperoni Raw?
Absolutely! Once the packaged pepperoni has been stored in an ideal and healthy way, you can eat it raw. You should however check for the expiry dates of the packaged pepperoni before consumption.
Summary
We have answered your question as to whether pepperoni is edible without cooking it. Undoubtedly, pepperoni can be eaten without cooking, and can also be a great topping for pizza and other meals.
We also explained how the pepperoni is made, just to clear your doubt that you are not consuming unprocessed and unhealthy meat. As soon as the pepperoni is opened, make sure you refrigerate the remnant and protect the sausage from moisture.
You should however be aware of expiry dates and it is safer to consume packaged pepperoni than unpackaged or roadside sausages.
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