Understanding the 'Uncured' Label
Many health-conscious consumers specifically look for products labeled 'uncured' to avoid synthetic preservatives. However, the term can be misleading due to USDA labeling requirements. The critical distinction lies not in whether the meat is preserved, but in the source of the preservatives used. While traditionally cured meats use man-made chemicals like sodium nitrate, products labeled 'uncured' are preserved using natural sources of nitrates.
The Role of Celery Powder and Sea Salt
Applegate Farms, like many other producers of 'uncured' products, uses natural ingredients such as celery powder and sea salt for the curing process. Here’s how it works:
- Celery Powder: Celery is naturally rich in nitrates. When celery juice is fermented with a starter culture, the nitrates convert into nitrites, which are essential for curing meat.
- Sea Salt: Sea salt is a traditional curing agent that also helps preserve the meat and inhibit bacterial growth.
When you see a phrase like 'no nitrates or nitrites added*' on an Applegate label, the asterisk directs you to a clarification stating 'except those naturally occurring in sea salt and cultured celery powder'. This practice is fully compliant with USDA regulations, which dictate that if a company uses plant-derived nitrates, they must label the product as 'uncured,' even though a form of curing still occurs.
The Natural vs. Synthetic Nitrate Debate
The health implications of natural vs. synthetic nitrates are a subject of ongoing debate. While Applegate maintains that naturally derived, plant-based compounds are a better choice, some sources like Harvard Health suggest the human body processes natural and synthetic nitrates similarly. The potential health risk, particularly the formation of N-nitroso compounds, is believed to stem from the interaction of nitrites with other components in meat, regardless of the nitrate's origin.
Ultimately, authoritative health bodies, such as Harvard Health and Dietitians of Canada, recommend limiting processed meat consumption regardless of the curing method, pointing to other factors like high sodium content and other potential health considerations. The choice between products preserved with natural or synthetic nitrates often comes down to consumer preference for a 'cleaner' ingredient list.
Applegate's Ingredient Philosophy
Applegate Farms' mission, 'Changing The Meat We Eat®,' guides their ingredient choices. Their natural and organic products adhere to a stringent set of standards beyond just nitrates. These include:
- Humanely Raised: Animals are treated with care and respect, with specific details available for each product line.
- Antibiotic-Free: No antibiotics are ever administered to the animals.
- No GMO Ingredients: All products are Non-GMO Project verified.
- Simple Ingredients: Avoiding artificial ingredients, preservatives, and fillers.
Uncured vs. Cured Meats: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Traditionally Cured Meats | Applegate's 'Uncured' Meats |
|---|---|---|
| Preservative Source | Synthetic sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. | Naturally occurring nitrates from cultured celery powder and sea salt. |
| Labeling | Clearly labeled as 'cured.' | Labeled 'uncured,' with a note about natural sources. |
| Ingredient List | Contains specific chemical compounds. | Lists natural, plant-based ingredients like celery powder. |
| Processing | Standardized chemical process. | Cured using natural processes, often involving fermentation. |
| Flavor and Color | Nitrates create and preserve the characteristic pink color and taste. | Natural nitrites serve the same function for color and flavor. |
Making an Informed Decision
When evaluating a product like Applegate's, understanding the nuance of the 'uncured' label is essential. The brand offers products that align with a 'clean label' philosophy by avoiding synthetic chemicals, but they do use natural sources of nitrates. For consumers, this offers an alternative to traditionally preserved meats. However, it's important to remember that nitrates, regardless of their origin, are still present and contribute to the product's safety and preservation.
Choosing a product comes down to personal preference regarding ingredients and processing methods. Applegate's commitment to avoiding synthetic additives while using natural alternatives presents a clear option for those who prioritize products with simple, recognizable ingredients. A more detailed look into the nuances of food labeling can be found at the official Applegate website, where they address this topic directly.
Conclusion
In summary, while Applegate Farms does not add synthetic nitrates or nitrites to their products, their 'uncured' designation does not mean nitrate-free. They utilize natural, plant-based sources like celery powder to achieve the same preservation and flavor results. This distinction is based on USDA labeling requirements and reflects the company's commitment to using more natural ingredients. The health debate around natural versus synthetic nitrates continues, but for many consumers, the brand's transparent use of simpler ingredients remains a compelling reason to choose their products.
