Celery juice as nitrite alternative in meats
Celery juice or powder that is used in organic or natural meat products such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage, deli meat is not a healthy addition after all.
We buy organic uncured meat products in order to avoid nitrates, but products that contain celery juice or powder contain actually nitrates.
Following are great articles on celery juice and it’s effect on meat and our health:
“Celery has a very high concentration of natural nitrate, and treating celery juice with a bacterial culture produces nitrite.”
– Dr. Joe Schwartcz Is Celery Juice a Viable Alterative to Nitrites in Cured Meats?
“Nitrates and nitrites are natural components of celery, leafy greens, and sea salt. They are also in most vegetables. This is actually good, because the human body uses nitrates to convert to nitric oxide (NO) which is important for maintaining a balanced blood pressure and some anti-inflammatory benefits.
So, why are nitrates under fire for being dangerously unhealthy? Because when meat is cooked at high temperatures − 250 degrees Fahrenheit and up − the nitrates/nitrites convert to nitrosamines after naturally combining with the amines in the meat. This is the carcinogenic aspect of the formula. Nitrosamines contribute to significant free radical damage…”
– Are There Hidden Carcinogens in Applegate “Natural and Organic” Meats?
My conclusion:
It is best to avoid processed meat.
If eaten only in moderation.
Read labels to make sure to avoid unnecessary additives when cured, dried or canned.
Salt and sugar (maple syrup) have curing abilities so look for those on labels instead of chemicals.
Limit products that contain celery powder or juice.
I found that organic chicken hot-dogs don’t usually use celery powder just salt and sugar.
There is some brands of organic bacon that do not use celery powder.
Make your own meat sticks.
Sources:
Is Celery Juice a Viable Alternative to Nitrites in Cured Meats? By Joe Schwartcz Phd. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/food/celery-juice-viable-alternative-nitrites-cured-meats
Are There Hidden Carcinogens in Applegate “Natural and Organic” Meats? By Deborah Okre. https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/applegate-meats/
The curious case of the great celery powder scam. By Daniel Neman. https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/the-curious-case-of-the-great-celery-powder-scam/article_2c398b4e-eb90-580d-955b-367ffd2975d6.html