Sodium nitrate vs nitrite

[ccase39]

Can someone explain,  in laymens terms, the differences and pros or cons of curing with each? Never fully understood it.

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[ibbones]

 :-XMe too?  Not sure what is what.

[Nimrod]

I think I've read some explanations that you might search on this forum but here's link to a great article:

http://barbecuebible.com/2014/08/26/guide-nitrites-prague-powder-curing-salts/

[DivotMaker]

That BBQ Bible article is about as simple of an article as you're gonna get.  If you use any of these, please take the time to research how to use them properly.  Some of them can be quite toxic, if used in greater proportions than called for.  #1 is especially potent stuff, but is totally safe, in the right quantity.

[SconnieQ]

That is a GREAT article. Everything clearly explained all in one place. People here might not realize it because many of us have been smoking for some time, but home smoking is one of the latest food trends. Raichlen's Project Smoke series has brought a lot of accurate and simply explained information to the web. Written and presented in a professional manner. I especially enjoyed the reference to the smoke ring "hack" using TenderQuick. We love that here. Even though smoke rings are no longer supposed to be used as judging criteria in competition BBQ, I'm sure it is hard for the judges to overlook. Can you imagine a brisket without a smoke ring winning first place? Me neither.

[DivotMaker]

That is a GREAT article. Everything clearly explained all in one place. People here might not realize it because many of us have been smoking for some time, but home smoking is one of the latest food trends. Raichlen's Project Smoke series has brought a lot of accurate and simply explained information to the web. Written and presented in a professional manner. I especially enjoyed the reference to the smoke ring "hack" using TenderQuick. We love that here. Even though smoke rings are no longer supposed to be used as judging criteria in competition BBQ, I'm sure it is hard for the judges to overlook. Can you imagine a brisket without a smoke ring winning first place? Me neither.

+1!  Took me awhile to figure out the smoke ring "hacks!"  Wish I'd have seen this sooner!

[Nimrod]

+1!  Took me awhile to figure out the smoke ring "hacks!"  Wish I'd have seen this sooner!

Of course the writer is referring to the "Unscrupulous competitors on the barbecue circuit...painting a smoke ring" and not the honest, upright, smokin circuit folks of much higher integrity and moral standing who are merely perfecting their craft for sustenance and fellowship

[DivotMaker]

+1!  Took me awhile to figure out the smoke ring "hacks!"  Wish I'd have seen this sooner!

Of course the writer is referring to the "Unscrupulous competitors on the barbecue circuit...painting a smoke ring" and not the honest, upright, smokin circuit folks of much higher integrity and moral standing who are merely perfecting their craft for sustenance and fellowship

Hehe...yeah, he does point that out, Dave.  If I were a competitor, on the BBQ circuit, and limited to wood and/or charcoal fires like they are, I would also consider the use of TQ as unscrupulous!  Traditional BBQ makes traditional smoke rings (but many of us know even that is not always the case). 

I consider us part of the latter folks you spoke of.