Curing Salt and Its Types
What Really is Curing Salt?
Curing salt, also known as Prague salt or pink salt, is a particular salt mixture used to preserve and taste meats. It is a necessary element for the manufacturing of delectable cured foods such as bacon, sausages, and ham. Curing salt differs from traditional table salt in that it contains sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the food and imparts the distinct cured flavor.
Types of Curing Salt
Prague Powder #1: This curing salt includes 6.25% sodium nitrite and is typically used for immediate curing and protection of meats such as bacon and sausage.
Prague Powder #2: With 6.25% of sodium nitrite and 4% sodium nitrate, the Prague Powder is ideal for long-term curing techniques including dry aging and whole ham curing.
Types Of Curing
Dry curing
Dry curing is perfect for hams, bacon, and smaller meat slices. This method includes applying salt straight to the meat and keeping it in plastic bags with a tight closure. After sealing, the meat is chilled to allow the curing process to occur. Before cooking, the meat is rinsed with water to remove any extra salt.
Sausage Curing
Sausage curing occurs when salt and spices are used to cure meat. The process is completed in the refrigerator, and the meat is only removed before cooking.
Brine Curing
In brine curing, water and salt are combined to create a meat-preserving pickle solution. The brine solution is stored in a harmless metal basin, and the meat is soaked in it. The bowl is covered with a lid to ensure that the meat is completely submerged in brine solution.
What's in Curing Salt?
Curing salts are a mixture of many salts, and the following are some of the important salts used for curing.
- Sodium chloride, also known as common salt.
- Sodium Nitrite is the primary chemical used in the drying process.
- Salt contains sodium nitrate for longer cures, as well as bacteria.
- Convert sodium nitrate to sodium nitrite.
Where Can I Purchase Curing Salt?
Salt is crucial in the process of curing foods. It is critical to use the right kind of salt while preserving meat for subsequent use in cooking. Canapaks provides high-quality food grade salts. Contact us today for a complimentary estimate.
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