Kent wrote:

> "Reg" > wrote in message
> et...
>
>>Kent wrote:
>>>
>>>Corned beef contains nitrites. Simple brining with salt and H20 should
>>>only
>>>change the salt and water concentration of the meat.
>>
>>
>>Not true there, Kent. Of course corned beef can be mode without
>>nitrites. Salt only. Corned beef has a history going back centuries.
>>Nitrites do not.
>>
>>See: Ye Olde Corned Beef
>
> I should have said potassium nitrate, or saltpeter. Saltpeter has been used
> to preserve beef at least since the mid 19th century, and I would guess
> earlier.
> http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:...lnk&cd=9&gl=us

Nope. Not true. Corned Beef doesn't require the use of nitrates,
either. Your statement "Corned beef contains nitrites" with a
period at the end is incorrect. Substituting "nitrates" doesn't
fix it.

Corned beef can optionally be made with nitrites, but it can
be and often is made with salt as the only curing agent.

That's true of *any* cured product, Kent.

--
Reg