Learn the science behind what causes that shiny rainbow on beef and deli meats. Iridescent shimmers are easier to spot on darker meats like beef and some pork-so if you're eating a slice of turkey from the deli, it could be covered in meat rainbows you don't notice. The multi-colored glimmer is most obvious on very smooth cuts of meat (for example, the kinds of cuts a super sharp, commercial-grade meat slicer would make).
If you slice meat with a blunt-edge knife, the rainbow effect is less likely to appear. As UW-Madison commemorates LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June and rainbow flags appear around Madison, a phenomenon known as structural color can also cause iridescent rainbow coloring on sliced deli meats. The appearance of these rainbows are fairly common and a result of structural color on the meats' surface.
The rainbow phenomenon in beef is a testament to the intricate interplay between light and the meat's internal structure. By understanding the factors that contribute to iridescence, we can harness this natural beauty to create visually stunning and delectable dishes. Seeing a rainbow in your sandwich meat might seem at odds with the whole business of lunch.
But, here's is the reason you're seeing a rainbow in your deli meat. Any other color is usually a cause for worry. Even though the U.S.
Department of Agriculture says some color change is to be expected as meats are exposed to light and oxygen, this knowledge doesn't make that rainbow roast beef any less concerning. Believe it or not, 'meat rainbows' are actually perfectly safe to consume. This rainbow effect is most likely to grace whole cuts of meat or solid muscle tissues with its presence.
So, if you're a fan of ground or restructured meats like sausage, you might miss out on this natural light show. Obviously this rainbow was caused by the deli counter worker who was definitely an alien, according to my third-grade mind. I mean, how else are rainbows on meat supposed to form? Well, apparently there's science behind it! Want to be in the cool crowd and find out why? The manifestation of this rainbow effect can be influenced by the way the meat is cut and its level of moisture.
Additionally, the various color pigments in animal meat can produce iridescent or greenish hues when exposed to heat and processing. However, the rainbow or iridescent shimmer on the meat doesn't signify poor quality or safety risks.