Michigan State University Extension
Preserving Food Safely - 01600815
10/13/97

QUICK SALT OR SALTPETER

    Quick  salt  is another name for  saltpeter,  which  is

potassium
 nitrate.   Potassium or sodium nitrate is used in

the
curing of home-made sausage,  corned beef, pickled pigs'

feet
etc.   Commercially, smaller quantities of potassium or

sodium
nitrite are used instead of the nitrate, resulting in

faster
 cures.   These  substances are used to  achieve  the

typical
  cured   meat   flavor   and  color  and  for their

anti-oxidant
 and   bacteriostatic   properties.   They  are

essential
in cured meats.                                   

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