Be careful not to order 550 pounds of salami

While waiting in line at the local "Meztgerei," butcher’s shop, an American woman in front of me ordered 250 kilograms of salami. The two women and one man behind the meat counter and the four German women waiting in line all turned and looked at her as though she had announced the birth of a 200-pound baby boy. Then the chuckles and jabbering took over their surprise, and one woman behind the counter kept politely saying “nein, nein, nein.”

You see, 200 kilograms is about 550 pounds. That’s a lot of salami! The woman meant to order 200 grams or about a half-pound of meat. Honest mistake when one is not used to the metric system.

Here’s a quick guide to use the next time you’re shopping for meat on the economy:

4 ounces = 115 grams

6 ounces = 180 grams

8 ounces = 225 grams

10 ounces = 275 grams

12 ounces = 325 grams

1 pound = 454 grams

2 pounds = 907 grams (almost 1 kilogram)

And if you do find yourself needing 550 pounds of salami, it’s best to call ahead and reserve it. Happy grocery shopping!