The best deli turkey is moist, meaty, and fabulously versatile. Unfortunately, a lot of deli turkey is wet and flavorless.
I tend to stay away from deli meats because they are typically soaking wet (why are they always so wet?) and have a peculiar odor. They’re great on a sandwich, but they often leave much to be desired when eaten alone. Is the popular opinion that turkey is boring and flavorless just a myth? Or are people just eating the wrong turkey? I, along with my Sporked coworkers, tried many different brands to find you the best deli turkey out there. We were looking for the best sliced turkey with a mild flavor, relatively no odor, and a texture that resembled actual meat instead of processed meat product. Bonus points went to any brand with packaging that made the meat easy to access. Here are the best deli turkey brands we tried. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m covered in packaged meat juice.
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Other Products We Tried: Good & Gather Low Sodium, Good & Gather Honey, Hormel Oven Roasted, Applegate Honey, Boar’s Head Honey, Boar’s Head Salsalito, Boar’s Head Oven Gold, Bistro Favorites, Prima Della, Castlewood, Butterball Oven Roasted, Prima Della Honey, Prima Della Cajun
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As a seasoned deli meat enthusiast, I’m always on the hunt for new and exciting flavors to tantalize my tastebuds. During a recent trip to the supermarket, I came across Salsalito turkey – a product that piqued my interest with its unique name and seasoning blend.
Naturally I had to snag a pack and put it to the taste test. Join me as I break down the complex flavors of this intriguing deli meat and determine if it lives up to the hype.
Salsalito turkey is a lightly smoked sliced turkey breast that has been carefully seasoned to achieve a signature taste. Whereas regular deli turkey tends to be relatively bland, the spices used in Salsalito turkey give it a bold dynamic flavor profile.
The exact blend contains over 12 herbs, spices, and seasonings. It imparts subtle notes of garlic, onion, red and black pepper. This creates an overall savory, smoky essence with a hint of tanginess.
Salsalito turkey first originated in California in the 1980s. It quickly became a popular West Coast deli meat before expanding nationwide. Its crave-worthy taste has earned it a cult following across the U.S.
Tantalizing Texture and Visual Appeal
In addition to its seasoning, several other factors contribute to the sensory experience of Salsalito turkey:
- Tender and smooth texture – easy to chew and enjoy
- Thin, consistent slices – perfect for sandwiches and rolls
- Attractive red-orange hue – results from natural spices like paprika
The moment you open a pack, you’ll notice the slices have a natural vibrancy. This visual richness complements the savoriness you’ll soon experience.
The Alluring Aroma Sets the Stage
Before even taking a bite, I could tell Salsalito turkey was special. As soon as I opened the package, an enticing aroma enveloped my senses.
The smoky, savory smell whispered promises of deliciousness to come. It primed my palate and left me eager for that first taste.
For fellow foodies who enjoy dissecting layers of flavor, the aroma provides an insightful preview of what’s to come.
An Explosion of Flavors on the Palate
And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – what does Salsalito turkey actually taste like? In a word: exceptional.
With the first bite, my tastebuds were treated to a party of flavors. The predominant notes include:
- Savory – imparted by spices like garlic, onion and black pepper
- Smoky – from the light smoking process
- Slightly tangy – likely from spices like mustard and vinegar
- Perfectly salty – just the right level to balance the flavors
Unlike plain turkey which can be dry and bland, the spices make Salsalito turkey a juicy, moisture-rich experience. There’s also a pleasant lingering warmth from the blend of peppers.
The overall flavor profile is dynamic, shifting between salty, savory, smoky and tangy notes with each bite. It’s a turkey lover’s paradise!
Ideal Texture and Mouthfeel
Beyond its outstanding taste, the texture and mouthfeel make Salsalito turkey incredibly enjoyable:
- Tender and smooth – slices beautifully and easy to chew
- Subtle juiciness – not dry or tough like plain turkey
- Thin slices – pleasant to bite through and enjoy
With many seasoned deli meats, the processing can sometimes yield rubbery, artificial textures. But Salsalito manages to achieve both complex flavor and delicate texture.
Versatility for Enjoying Salsalito Turkey
While tasting exceptional on its own, Salsalito turkey truly excels as an ingredient. Its dynamic, bold flavor acts as a perfect complement and lift to sandwiches, salads, pizzas and more.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Classic deli sandwich with cheese and veggies
- Turkey club with bacon, lettuce, tomato
- Salad topper instead of plain turkey
- Scrambled eggs or omelet filling
- Quesadillas, paninis, and melts
- Charcuterie board addition
The options are endless! And its flavor versatility allows it to shine in any recipe.
A Worthy Splurge for Turkey Lovers
At a slightly higher price point than basic deli turkey, Salsalito turkey is a worthwhile splurge for those craving maximum flavor. A little goes a long way thanks to the intense seasoning.
For turkey lovers tired of bland luncheon meat, it’s a budget-friendly way to infuse sandwiches and meals with gourmet flavor. Consider it an elevated turkey experience.
The Verdict? A New Favorite Deli Meat
After extensively savoring every bite, I can conclusively say Salsalito turkey earns its celebrated reputation. The smoky, savory taste backed by tender texture is a true delight for the senses.
It provides an easy way to give basic ingredients like bread, lettuce and cheese an flavor upgrade. I’m also eager to experiment with unique recipe creations highlighting its signature zest.
Salsalito turkey just may be my new favorite deli meat. I happily welcome it as a lunchbox staple and cooking secret weapon. Try it yourself and discover why this seasoned turkey is so ardently adored!
