Why is there a sheet of paper in packages of minced meat?
In German supermarkets, minced meat is usually sold in a plastic box under what’s described as a “Schutzatmosphere” (protective atmosphere).
It looks like this:
Not visible in this image, the meat is always placed on a sheet of paper. Why is that done? I haven’t found the meat to stick to the plastic more than to the paper, and I can’t think of a reason why the meat would go bad faster without the paper. Also, the plastic boxes usually have a grill-shaped bottom, so the meat would probably not sit in any liquid coming from it.
Best Answer
The paper isn't for you. It's for the robots.
Packaged ground meat like that is ground, portioned, and packaged automatically. The blocks of ground meat are formed by extruding them into an endless strip which is chopped into blocks and moved around on conveyor belts. To prevent the meat from adhering to the belts or falling between them, the strip is formed on a roll of waxed paper, which is sliced with the rest of the meat and remains on the bottom of the blocks through the remainder of the processing. It's not important to remove the paper, so they don't bother.
You can see an example of the technique at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPRea1f8sg4 .
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Quick Answer about "Why is there a sheet of paper in packages of minced meat?"
To prevent the meat from adhering to the belts or falling between them, the strip is formed on a roll of waxed paper, which is sliced with the rest of the meat and remains on the bottom of the blocks through the remainder of the processing.What is the paper under mince?
The butchers that I spoke to explained that the filling of these packets are usually paper pulp, plant fibers or non toxic silicone. They explained that the fact they are approved for use in contact with food that is intended for consumption, means that have to be of a food safe quality, so are non toxic.Can you eat the paper on mince?
No ill effects. You'll be ok. A friend's son once made a cottage pie at school and didn't remove the meat paper from the bottom of the mince. He just mushed it up into bits as he browned the mince.What is the purpose of minced meat?
Which Is Better?Ground MeatMinced MeatUsesFor foods that need to hold on to their shape, such as burgers, kebabs, and meatballs.For foods where the shape doesn't matter, such as chilis, fillings, gravies, pies, sausage rows, stuffings, and stews.3 more rows•Sep 18, 2021Minced Meat Time-Lapse
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Answer 2
Can't tell from the picture, but in many places the "paper" is actually absorbent. It collects any juices, keeping things looking neat and tidy.
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