THE “NO NITRITES ADDED” HOAX

[RAD]

http://ruhlman.com/2011/05/the-no-nitrites-added-hoax/

A coworker was talking about his diet and not eating processed meat. He said something about one of the farmers markets is going to start selling bacon that was cured/smoked without using any nitrites. Now, I know I am still new at this but my first thought was about smoking anything below 160 and the dangers associated with it. So I started a little research and came across this and thought to myself if this is what the farmer’s market guy will be doing. celery???

What do the experts think about this topic?

[sliding_billy]

"Can we really be this stupid?  I have only one word to say on this beyond an emphatic yes."

That pretty much sums it up.

[TentHunteR]

Yes, that is a very good article. Ironically Kirby (CANNON-MAN) and I were just talking about this very subject yesterday.  I did a fairly detailed write-up about a year and a half ago on this subject. Curing Sausage with Celery Juice - the experiment

I spent almost a year (off & on) researching this and let me tell you, good info was NOT easy to come by.  Much of it is kept secret withing the food trade because they don't want you knowing.

They are counting on people like your friend NOT reading the label carefully. Nowhere does it say "Nitrate/Nitrite Free" or "No Nitritates/Nitrites."
What the label says is "No Nitrates/Nitrites ADDED," meaning that no Sodium Nitrate or Nitrite was added as a separate ingredient.

The two most common sources of "natural nitrates" being used are Celery Juice & Cherry Juice.  In addition, some are also using Sea Salt (which also contains nitrates.

Most folks do not realize the biggest source of nitrate intake is from veggies NOT cured meats.

[Las Vegan Cajun]

Yep, I started researching this subject too when my Mom got on the nitrate free kick and she has been trying to push it on us.

There is more nitrate, when measured in PPM, in human saliva than in any processed meat.  If you want to avoid high doses of nitrate don't swallow your saliva and don't eat celery.

BRING ON THE BACON!!!

http://chriskresser.com/the-nitrate-and-nitrite-myth-another-reason-not-to-fear-bacon

[RAD]

TentHunteR, I read your post and much more detailed

[HighOnSmoke]

The same people who believe this garbage also believe that Tendarub is the greatest thing going! 

[RAD]

The same people who believe this garbage also believe that Tendarub is the greatest thing going! 

Now you've done it. Where's Mike

[muebe]

The same people who believe this garbage also believe that Tendarub is the greatest thing going! 

Now you've done it. Where's Mike

Did someone say TendaRub!?!?

[teesquare]

I can't help it...every time you guys mention that product - I get the Elvis tune in my head for a while....

"Rub me tender....rub me true....all my dreams fulfill....."

And it kinda creeps me out.......

[Sailor1]

The USDA will not allow a label to state "Cured" if Celery juice or Celery juice powder is used.  The label must list the celery juice powder as "seasoned" with Celery Juice Powder.  The industry has figured a way to extract more money out of the "low information" public.  A package of celery juice powder to do 25 pounds of meat is around $10.00.  Low information people are paying more for stuff that has more nitrates and nitrites than the good cured stuff.  Cliff did a great job in discussing the Celery juice and curing.