Prague Powder #1

Prague Powder #1—also known as pink curing salt or InstaCure #1—is a specialized curing agent used primarily in the preservation and flavoring of meats. This distinctive pink salt is a blend of 6.25% sodium nitrite and 93.75% regular table salt, with the vibrant color added to prevent confusion with ordinary salt. Prague Powder #1 is essential in recipes for cured meats such as bacon, ham, sausages, and corned beef, as it inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum while also helping maintain the meat's appealing pink hue and enhancing its flavor. It is intended for short-term cures that will be cooked before consumption. Due to its potency, it must always be used in precise, small amounts as directed by the recipe to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Prague Powder #1, also known as pink curing salt or Insta Cure #1, is a specialized ingredient used primarily for curing meats such as bacon, ham, and sausages. In most grocery stores, you won't typically find Prague Powder #1 in the regular spice aisle. Instead, check the section dedicated to canning and preserving supplies, which is often near the baking aisle or in a special seasonal area. Some larger supermarkets with extensive spice or specialty food sections may stock it alongside pickling salts and other curing agents. If your local store doesn’t carry it, try visiting a specialty kitchen supply store, a butcher shop, or a store that focuses on home brewing and meat processing supplies. Alternatively, Prague Powder #1 is widely available online through retailers like Amazon or specialty food sites. Always be sure to verify you are purchasing Prague Powder #1 (not #2, which is for dry-cured meats) and follow all measurement guidelines closely, as it contains sodium nitrite and should be used with care.