Sausages are a staple in many households. Who doesn’t love the taste of a juicy bratwurst or spicy Italian sausage? But many conventional sausages contain nitrates and nitrites to preserve freshness and add color. These additives have been linked to some health concerns. The good news is, it’s easy to find delicious nitrate-free sausage options to enjoy without worry!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover the truth about nitrate-free sausages You’ll learn what makes them different, their health benefits, and where to find the tastiest nitrate-free sausages to bring home Let’s get cooking!
What Are Nitrates and Why Are They Used in Sausage?
For centuries curing salt containing nitrates and nitrites has been used to preserve meats like sausage, ham and bacon. These compounds give cured meats their distinctive flavor, help protect against bacteria, and keep them from spoiling too quickly. They also react with the meat’s proteins to give cured meats their pinkish-red color.
However, in recent decades, some studies have linked nitrates and nitrites to an increased cancer risk. The compounds can form nitrosamines in the body, which are carcinogenic. Because of this potential harm, many people prefer to avoid them.
This poses a challenge for sausage manufacturers wanting to make flavorful, attractive, and long-lasting sausage minus the health risks. Let’s look at how they’re making nitrate-free sausage a delicious reality.
Introducing Nitrate-Free Sausage – All the Flavor, None of the Worry
Nitrate-free sausages have emerged as an appealing alternative for health and safety-conscious shoppers. As the name suggests, these sausages are manufactured without any added nitrates or nitrites
Without these preservatives, nitrate-free sausages tend to have a shorter shelf life. Some types are sold frozen to help compensate. But the lack of nitrates allows their robust natural flavors to take center stage!
Manufacturers use creative natural substitutes to achieve the desired taste and texture in nitrate-free sausage. Ingredients like celery juice powder, sea salt, onion, garlic, and natural spices give them bold flavor. Beet or paprika extract lends them that coveted pink hue.
While nitrate-free sausages are made without traditional curing agents, they can never be 100% nitrate-free. Vegetables have naturally occurring nitrates that end up in the sausages in small amounts. But by eliminating added nitrates, these sausages offer a significantly healthier alternative.
The Benefits of Choosing Nitrate-Free
A nitrate-free diet brings several health perks. Here are some of the top benefits of choosing nitrate-free sausages:
Reduced Cancer Risk
As mentioned earlier, nitrates and nitrites can react with proteins to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. By nixing these from your diet, you minimize this potential cancer threat.
The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies processed meats containing these compounds as “carcinogenic to humans.” Making the switch to nitrate-free sausages removes this concern.
Lower Blood Pressure
Studies show a link between frequent nitrate and nitrite consumption and increased blood pressure. Hypertension then elevates risks for stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
Choosing nitrate-free sausages is an easy way to help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.
Improved Athletic Performance
Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, allowing more oxygenated blood to reach muscles. Some studies found nitrate supplements can boost endurance for high-intensity exercise.
However, natural nitrates from vegetables offer these benefits without risks. Nitrate-free sausages still contain veggie-based nitrates to fuel your active lifestyle.
Healthier for Children and Pregnant Women
Expectant mothers and little ones are more vulnerable to toxins. Nitrosamines can be especially dangerous for their development. Protect them by serving nitrate-free sausages instead of conventional ones laden with these preservatives.
Delicious Nitrate-Free Sausage Options to Try
Now that you know the health perks, let’s explore some mouthwatering nitrate-free sausage varieties:
1. Chicken or Turkey Sausages
Lower in fat than pork, chicken and turkey sausages make a leaner choice. Brands like Applegate, Aidells, and Wellshire Farms offer tasty nitrate-free varieties full of flavor.
Enjoy Italian-seasoned turkey sausages in pasta dishes or breakfast sammies. Bake chicken apple sausages in the oven for a family dinner. The options are endless.
2. Beef and Pork Sausages
Can’t resist a classic beef frank or zesty chorizo? You’re in luck! Natural and uncured beef sausages from Naked Bacon and chorizo and bratwurst from Olymel deliver authentic flavor minus the nitrates.
Grill them up for a cookout or slice and add to a hearty soup or stew. For a flavor and protein punch, try an all-beef or pork and beef blend sausage.
3. Unique Game Sausages
Looking for something wild and exotic? Try bison, elk, venison or boar sausages from specialty brands like Jones Creek and Wild Idea Buffalo. With extra leanness and rich depth, they make a treat for special occasions.
4. Plant-Based Sausages
For vegetarians and vegans, plant-based sausages mimic meaty flavor and texture without any nitrates or actual meat. Try soy chorizo from Trader Joe’s, Italian sausage from Field Roast, or Beyond Meat’s iconic burger-style sausage patties.
5. DIY Homemade Sausages
Want ultimate control over ingredients? Make your own sausage at home! Grind fresh meats like pork, chicken or turkey. Then add your favorite herbs, spices, and produce like celery and beets for natural nitrate. Stuff the sausage into casings or shape into patties before cooking.
Homemade lets you personalize flavors and ensures there are zero mystery ingredients. Break out the meat grinder and get creative!
Tips for Enjoying Nitrate-Free Sausages
Nitrate-free sausages open up a world of tasty ways to add flavor to meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Slice and pan-fry for breakfast alongside eggs, pancakes, and hashbrowns
- Grill or barbecue for a cookout and use in hot dogs or on sausage subs
- Chop and add to soups, chilis, casseroles, pasta sauce, or pizza toppings
- Bake in the oven with roasted veggies like potatoes, bell peppers, and onions
- Fry bite-sized sausage pieces as an appetizer for dunking in mustards or jams
- Add to a breakfast quiche or bake in a sausage-stuffed monkey bread
- Use chicken or turkey sausage in place of ground beef or pork in recipes
With so many varieties, the options for enjoying nitrate-free sausages are endless! And you can feel good serving them to your family.
Smart Shopping Tips for Nitrate-Free Sausages
Ready to grab some nitrate-free sausages on your next grocery run? Keep these shopping tips in mind:
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Check the ingredients label and look for “no nitrates or nitrites added.” This confirms there are none of the synthetic curing agents.
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Seek out reputable natural or organic brands you recognize. Smaller niche brands also craft high-quality nitrate-free sausages.
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Know that “uncured” only means no nitrites were added. Check for nitrates too.
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Check the preparation instructions since some raw nitrate-free sausages have a shorter shelf life than cured ones.
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Allow extra time to check labels since these are often shelved alongside conventional sausages.
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Be willing to pay a little more for the nitrate/nitrite-free benefits.
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For plant-based kinds, look for non-GMO soy or pea protein as the base.
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Seek grass-fed or pasture-raised versions for higher quality meat.
With knowledge about what to look for, it’s simple to find delicious nitrate-free sausages to enjoy. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you are serving your family a healthier choice. Who knew nitrate-free could taste so good?
Frequently Asked Questions About Nitrate-Free Sausages
Are nitrate-free sausages really better for you?
Yes! By omitting nitrates and nitrites, these sausages remove the health threats associated with those preservatives. The small amounts of nitrates that occur naturally in the vegetables pose little risk.
How long do nitrate-free sausages last compared to regular sausages?
Since they lack traditional preservatives, nitrate-free sausages tend to have a shorter shelf life. Some must stay frozen
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Customer Reviews Based on 5 reviews
Loved it will run it back T
Have been been a fan for years. Always stock up when in Madison and carry it home to California. S.
Brennan’s Beef Summer Sausage – No Nitrates
Brennans Beef Summer Sausage – No Nitrates
This Old World summer sausage is made with lean, choice, coarsely ground beef and seasonings that are “just right.” It doesn’t contain any nitrates. Slowly smoked over hardwood slabs in a traditional brick smokehouse for two days to bring out the strong flavor and a tantalizing smell that you can’t resist.
Net wt: 10 oz.
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