A mixture of sodium nitrite with common kitchen salt is the nitrite salt. It has another name - peklosalt. The mixture is a product that can be an excellent alternative to sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite (E250). Nitrite salt is usually used in the production of sausages and smoked products. Generally, this supplement cannot be obtained from regular stores. This is due to the fact that there are some frames for its purchase, since nitrite salt is the basis for the preparation of detonating devices. Moreover, this salt is considered a toxic substance. That is why the regulatory authorities strictly control the sale of such a product.
Getting nitrite salt
Sodium nitrite is dissolved in a specific brine with further evaporation. This cooking method is used for further use of salt in cooking. With the help of such an additive, not only the taste of the products is improved, but also their appearance.
In order to preserve the freshness and naturalness of the color of meat products for a long time, nitrite salt is widely used. Since this additive is poisonous, it is often mixed with ordinary table salt in very small quantities.
The main characteristics of the additive
As described above, this salt gives meat products a special piquant taste and the ability not to spoil for a long time.
In addition, the nitrite salt prevents the spread of harmful microorganisms in the products. With the help of nitrite salt, they form a special taste and shade when cooking ham and dry-cured products. For example, it can give a pinkish or red hue to sausages, wieners and jerky.
The daily dosage of such salt should be much less than usual, and it should not be added to all homemade dishes, since an increased amount of nitrite salt used can lead to sad results. When diluting such an additive, you must adhere to strict instructions. Thus, the limit of the permissible percentage concentration is deduced, which is in the range of 0.5-0.65 percent. This amount is enough to give meat products a pleasant shade of red.
The harm of the supplement to the body
It is useful to understand the dangers of nitrite salt that can be inflicted on your body. It should be noted that harm is possible if the permissible concentrations are not observed, for example, in spices, that is, if the concentration of the additive exceeds 0, 65. If the cooks comply with all permissible standards, then there will be no harm to the human body. Therefore, nitrite salt is allowed to be used, which has received quite widespread use in the food industry.
Precautions when using the supplement
Manufacturers were obliged to pay great attention to the method of making nitrite salt, since the consequences of improper preparation can be dire. An excessive amount of such an additive has a detrimental effect on almost all functions and organs of a person. Among these negative consequences, the growth of malignant tumors of the stomach and intestines should be especially noted. In addition, the supplement can cause serious lung disease. This may be due to the fact that a person constantly eats sausage and meat products rich in nitrite salt content.
Excessive consumption of nitrite salt in dishes can cause excessive swelling of the body, overweight, and kidney failure. This supplement enhances the effect of regular table salt to retain fluid in the body, leading to its stagnation. Also, nitrites can provoke hypertension, as this substance can increase blood pressure. Nitrite salt impairs and reduces muscle tone.
It should be noted that it often happens that among the vegetable root crops sold in the markets, the amount of nitrites and nitrates is much higher than in spices.
How to protect yourself from nitrite
The quality and safety of meat products directly depend on the additives added to them, in particular, on the nitrite salt itself. Therefore, the manufacturer of such products should take care of purchasing food additives exclusively from trusted manufacturers. A product prepared in compliance with all norms and requirements should not harm the human body. Is it possible to consume such products on a daily basis? According to the instructions, nitrite salt can only be safe if it is used strictly in a specific order, and not added to all dishes. Every consumer should know that meat products such as smoked meat, fish, sausages and sausages should not be present in the daily diet of a person. It will be better if the above delicacies are consumed infrequently, for example, on holidays and other special occasions. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting many different diseases, among which the most dangerous is cancer. Malignant tumors usually result from the presence of a large number of carcinogenic substances in the body.
In this regard, before use and even before purchasing, you should familiarize yourself with the composition of this product. It should be remembered that such foods should be consumed in small quantities.
Instructions for the use of nitrite salt
As described earlier, this salt is used to pickle meat and fish components, which gives them a pleasant and tempting appearance. All stages of the manufacture of products containing such an additive must strictly adhere to technology and be supervised.
Usually the meat is salted after it has been pretreated. The additive is added to the semi-finished product in dry form in the amount specified in the technological map.
There are many types of production with the use of nitrites. In dry form, this salt is used in the manufacture of boiled sausages, sausages, small sausages, meat loaves. If, according to the preparation method, there is not enough nitrite additive, then its deficiency is made up with ordinary table salt. The additive is used in the form of a brine in the manufacture of hams and other meat products such as pork and beef.
The brine is made as follows. Phosphates are dissolved in the prepared water, then nitrite salt, sugar, if necessary, and ascorbic acid are added.
Advantages of using
Usually, products containing nitrite salt meet all the requirements established by the state. Various types of salts, their concentrations are strictly certified. At the same time, at each stage of the spice production, a thorough check and control is carried out.
The main advantage of such products is the increased safe storage period, beautiful color of the product, as well as the prevention and retardation of the development of unfavorable bacteria and strains. It can also be noted that a positive property is the simplicity of handling the raw materials and the process of the salting itself.
Packing and storage
Such salt is usually packaged in packages of 0, 2, 0, 5, 20, 25 and 50 kilograms. Such an additive is usually packaged in plastic bags with increased strength, suitable for storing food. The shelf life is limited to about two to three years under certain conditions (dry and cool place).
Replacing the nitrite salt
If such an additive is not suitable or is prohibited for a person for medical reasons, then it can be replaced with food nitrate. It is considered a worthy replacement if you strictly follow the instructions and dosage. If a complete absence of harmful components in meat products is required, then the additive can be replaced with table salt or sea salt and spices when salting homemade sausage. Although these substitutions will no longer stand out for their advantages over nitrite salt.
Nitrite salt can be found in large supermarkets, and it is also possible to get it from suppliers' websites, wholesale and retail. But when buying over the Internet, you should be extremely careful and order products exclusively from trusted manufacturers and suppliers.
Having weighed all the pros and cons, it remains only to conclude that a moderate and prudent use of such an additive will only help to improve the quality of meat products, and whether or not to use it in your diet is everyone's business.
