Discover our brand new recipe for plain or smoked dried duck breast without nitrite salt.
BUT WHAT IS NITRITE SALT ?
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Nitrite salt, often known as sodium nitrite, is a food additive widely used in the charcuterie and meat products industry.
Here are just a few examples of foods containing nitrite salt: cold cuts, ham, sausages, bacon, chorizo...
Why is nitrite salt used in food? What is it used for?
Nitrite salt is used for :
1. Food preservation.
2. Coloring: salt helps maintain an attractive pinkish-red color in meat products, which is visually more appetizing to consumers.
3. Flavor: It helps develop and stabilize the characteristic flavors of processed meat products.
What are the negative effects of nitrite salt on the human body ?
The use of nitrite salt is not without controversy. Studies have shown that nitrites can react with amines present in meat proteins to form compounds called nitrosamines, some of which are known carcinogens. As a result, regulations governing the use of nitrites in food are strict and vary from country to country.
Here are some possible impacts:
Allergic reactions: although rare, some people are allergic to nitrites.
Risk of cancer: High consumption of processed meats containing nitrites has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, according to several epidemiological studies.
Formation of nitrosamines: When cooked at high temperatures, nitrites can react with amines present in meat to form nitrosamines, potentially carcinogenic chemical compounds..
What spices can replace nitrite salt?
According to INRS (Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique), there are spices with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can help preserve food, although they do not completely replace nitrites in terms of preservation and coloring.
The spices mentioned are cloves, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger and rosemary.
Consumers can reduce their exposure to nitrites by diversifying their diet and choosing products containing fewer additives. In addition, advances in food research continue to seek safer and more natural alternatives to nitrites, while ensuring the same preservative effectiveness.
Our Canard du Gers sliced dried duck breast, with no added nitrite, is available in supermarkets in two flavors: Nature and Fumé.