Is cure necessary?

Brad- I am concerned about sodium levels in my diet. Is using the cure packet included in most jerky seasonings necessary?

Thanks,
Jason
Haleyville, AL

Hi Jason,
Yes, the cure packet assists in the reduction of bacteria during the slow cooking faze. When drying jerky and making any type of smoked product you are cooking at very slow temperatures, these low temperatures, 150-175F are prime target temperatures for bacteria to begin growing very rapidly. The sodium nitrate in the cure packet will prohibit the rapid growth of these bacteria. Also the cure is added at such a slight amount that you will generally find more sodium in the actual spice kit than in the cure packet.

Thanks,
Brad