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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