Tillamook's Use of Naturally Occurring Nitrates
Many people seek out jerky without nitrates, viewing them as harmful additives. Tillamook Country Smoker, however, uses a method that allows them to state "no nitrates added" on many of their products. This is a truthful but nuanced claim. The process relies on cultured celery powder, a plant-based ingredient that is naturally high in nitrates. When celery is cultured or fermented, the bacteria convert the nitrates into nitrites, which are the active curing agents.
This method is common in the "natural" and "uncured" meat industry. The USDA permits products cured with natural sources of nitrates, like celery powder, to be labeled as 'uncured' or 'no nitrates added,' with an asterisk noting the presence of naturally occurring sources. This is why you will often see language like, "*Except those naturally occurring in celery powder and sea salt" on Tillamook's packaging.
The Role of Cultured Celery Powder
Cultured celery powder serves the same purpose as synthetic sodium nitrite in the curing process: it preserves the meat, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria (especially Clostridium botulinum), and provides the characteristic flavor and pink color of cured meat. From a chemical standpoint, the nitrate molecule is identical whether it comes from celery or a synthetic source. The main difference lies in the public's perception of natural versus artificial ingredients.
Key Tillamook Jerky Ingredients to Look For
To understand if a specific Tillamook product contains naturally occurring nitrates, consumers should carefully examine the ingredients list on the packaging. Here is a list of ingredients that indicate the use of naturally occurring nitrates:
- Cultured Celery Powder
- Cultured Celery Juice Powder
- Sea Salt (often used in conjunction with celery powder)
Conversely, products labeled "uncured" will not list synthetic ingredients like "sodium nitrite" or "potassium nitrate".
Tillamook vs. Conventional Jerky: A Comparison of Preservatives
To better illustrate the differences, consider this comparison between a Tillamook product and conventional beef jerky.
| Feature | Tillamook Country Smoker Jerky (e.g., Original) | Conventional Beef Jerky (with synthetic cure) |
|---|---|---|
| Curing Agent | Cultured celery powder, sea salt | Sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate |
| Preservative Source | Naturally occurring nitrates from vegetable source | Synthetically produced chemical additives |
| Labeling | "No nitrates added*" (with an asterisk) | Simply lists curing agents in ingredients |
| Perceived Healthiness | Often seen as a more natural, healthier option | Sometimes viewed with more skepticism due to additives |
| Chemical Composition | Naturally occurring nitrates/nitrites | Synthetic nitrates/nitrites |
Why Naturally Occurring Nitrates Matter
The use of cultured celery powder has become a popular method for meat processors to meet consumer demand for products with a "cleaner" ingredient list. However, some studies suggest that celery powder may introduce nitrate levels that are similar to or even higher than those found in traditionally cured meats. The key takeaway is that an "uncured" label does not mean the product is entirely free of nitrates or nitrites, just that synthetic versions were not used.
For most healthy adults, consuming nitrates and nitrites from either natural or synthetic sources in moderation is not a significant health concern, as regulated by governing bodies like the USDA. Our bodies also naturally produce nitrates, and a large portion of our dietary intake comes from vegetables. The primary health concern associated with nitrates comes from the formation of nitrosamines during high-heat cooking, a process that both synthetic and natural nitrites can contribute to. However, Tillamook's preparation methods, such as hardwood smoking at lower temperatures, help mitigate this risk.
What About Tillamook's Zero Sugar Jerky?
Tillamook also offers a Zero Sugar line of jerky, which is also labeled with "no nitrites added*" and uses celery powder as a natural curing agent. This indicates that the company's approach to using natural preservatives is consistent across various product lines. The Zero Sugar variety simply omits ingredients like brown sugar.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, whether a consumer chooses Tillamook jerky depends on their individual dietary preferences and concerns. For those seeking to avoid synthetic additives, Tillamook's use of celery powder is a valid choice. However, for those who wish to avoid all forms of nitrates and nitrites, regardless of their source, Tillamook's cured jerky products would not fit that criteria due to the naturally occurring nitrates from celery powder. Tillamook also makes other products like cheese and ice cream which are not related to this discussion.
For more information on cured meats and food chemistry, a resource like the University of Wisconsin-Madison's livestock extension offers valuable details.
Conclusion
To conclude, Tillamook beef jerky, specifically the Country Smoker line, does not have added nitrates in the synthetic form, but it does contain naturally occurring nitrates derived from cultured celery powder and sea salt. This is a crucial distinction that is important for consumers to understand. By carefully reading the ingredient label, you can determine if a Tillamook product contains celery powder and thus, naturally occurring nitrates. The 'uncured' label is a specific marketing and regulatory term, not an assurance that the product is entirely nitrate-free.
