Pepperoni labeled as “uncured” doesn’t endure a conventional curing course of involving artificial nitrates or nitrites. As a substitute, it makes use of naturally occurring nitrates present in components like celery powder or sea salt to attain preservation and attribute taste. These pure sources convert to nitrites in the course of the curing course of, performing the identical perform as their artificial counterparts inhibiting bacterial development and contributing to the meat’s colour and style. For instance, a pepperoni stick labeled “uncured” may listing celery powder as an ingredient, signifying its function within the curing course of.
The enchantment of this type of pepperoni lies in client desire for merchandise perceived as extra pure or free from synthetic components. Traditionally, curing meats relied solely on pure sources of nitrates. The resurgence of this technique aligns with a broader pattern towards cleaner meals labels and a need for much less processed meals. Whereas the purposeful distinction between artificial and pure nitrate sources could also be minimal, the notion of well being advantages and decreased chemical publicity drives the recognition of “uncured” pepperoni.