Bacon

[Dr. Rocky Patel]

Is anyone else concerned about sodium nitrite with the vast quantities of bacon being consumed?I was under the impression that sodium nitrite created carcinogens when exposed to high heat or an acidic environment (e.g. frying pan and human stomach), so I typically buy bacon that doesn't contain it.Unfortunately, it usually costs at least twice as much as conventional grocery store bacon, so getting to the 10lbs per week level would be expensive, and I'd rather not waste the money if there is really nothing to worry about.

Nohttp://ruhlman.com/2011/05/the-no-nitrites-added-hoax/

[Lesli Bortz]

Interesting.I think one of the FAQ or major "Site Threads" should be just of links to information kept in one place. Thanks. 🙂

[Trevor G Fullbright]

From most of what I've seen nitrates are a moot point. I wouldn't worry about them at all.

[Jonathan H Blough]

I try to stay away from bacon with preservatives in it as well.  I usually only get a pound or two per week, though because of the cost.  Then again, all meats that are better for you end up costing more relatively(e.g., pasture-raised, grass-fed).  I really wish I were closer to the source.

I'm actually pondering the nitrate question as well. I tend to fry it and I know I overcook it. So I read that if you baked it then it was okay....But I'm going to do some searches - I'm not sure where to get nitrate-free bacon. I go through almost a pound a day sometimes so I need to find something decently affordable!

It's good to know that I'm not alone. I'm willing to pay more for food if it really makes a difference (e.g. grass fed beef), but I'd rather not overspend because of marketing or just being misinformed.

Nohttp://ruhlman.com/2011/05/the-no-nitrites-added-hoax/

Thanks for clearing that up. It's hard to know what to believe sometimes.Ruhlman linked to an article by a dietician who supports his argument that nitrites aren't bad like some of us have been lead to believe. However, the dietician goes on to talk about saturated fat & cholesterol causing heart disease.http://www.coopfoodstore.coop/content/good-or-bad-nitrates-and-nitrites-foodSo she dispels the nitrate/nitrite myth while promoting the saturated fat and cholesterol myths...  😮

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