Mortons tender quick-anyone use?

[Smokerguy]

I use the above for curing my pork belly. Does anyone else use and do they have a good recioe?

[Duanessmokedmeats]

I see it has been discontinued in Canada

[Smokerguy]

Yes-I buy in USA-not sure why?

[Oakgrovebacon]

I have used it for years - below measures per lb of belly
1 tablespoon tender quick
1/2 tablespoon maple or dark brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon of thyme
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
small amount of cayenne pepper
add a few shakes of Cavenders Greek seasoning to the whole batch
mix these ingredients well and rub onto belly on all sides
seal seasoned belly in vacuum sealer
place in refrigerator for 8-10 days
remove from bag and rinse well
smoke to your liking. I use apple wood for smoke.
wrap well and freeze - mine slices well frozen (commercial slicer)
package slices in meal sized batches and vac seal to freeze

[johnec00]

I stopped using Tender Quick years ago when cures #1 and #2 became easily available. Tender Quick contains both sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate. With respect to bacon, CFR 424.23 (b) states "Nitrates shall not be used in curing bacon"

[johnec00]

Jerod Broussard The explanation aside, the CFR prohibits nitrate in bacon, its not my regulation, its the CFR's

[Jerod Broussard]

Click on the link below. Read the first paragraph, that is what the reg. you cited is referring to, appearance and trickery.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/9/424.23

[johnec00]

Jerod Broussard Section is "Prohibited uses"
Paragraph (a) prohibits "Substances that conceal . . . " and lists a number of substances (not nitrites or nitrates)
Paragraph (b) entitled "Nitrates" specifically prohibits nitrate in bacon.
(a) and (b) are only related in that they prohibit something.

In 1978, the USDA prohibited use of nitrate in bacon and reduced nitrite level to 120 ppm. Reason was some studies that raised concern with nitrousamines.

Not worth arguing about further though

[Oak Smoke]

We used it years ago when making jerky out of ground venison. It worked just fine.

[Smokerguy]

Thanks for all the info on Tender Quick and recipe. Had not heard of issues with its contents. Will try Prague #1 next time.