Finding Nitrate-Free Ham: The Healthiest Options for Your Sandwiches & Recipes

Ham is a staple ingredient in sandwiches, omelets, pizzas, and more. But traditional cured ham products often contain concerning levels of nitrates and nitrites. These chemical preservatives give ham its iconic pink color and long shelf life but have been linked to health issues like cancer.

Thankfully, new uncured and no-nitrate ham options are hitting store shelves. These products use natural curing methods and ingredients to create nitrate-free ham with the same delicious flavor.

If you love ham but want to avoid nitrates, read on to learn about the healthiest nitrate-free ham options for your recipes.

Why Avoid Nitrates in Ham?

Before diving into the nitrate-free options, let’s review why limiting nitrates from processed meats is recommended.

When you eat nitrates, they get converted into nitrites in your body. Nitrites can then form cancer-causing nitrosamines, especially when exposed to high heat like during frying or grilling.

Studies suggest a link between consuming processed meats high in nitrates/nitrites and increased risk of:

• Colorectal cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Leukemia
• Pancreatic cancer

Nitrates may also raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to some research.

Babies and children are especially vulnerable to nitrate toxicity. High levels of nitrites in their bodies can cause “blue baby syndrome,” which reduces oxygen transport in the blood.

So by choosing no-nitrate ham, you can reduce potential exposure to these health hazards.

What is Uncured Ham?

Many natural food brands now sell “uncured” ham products that are nitrate-free. But how are they able to cure the ham without nitrites?

Uncured ham relies on natural curing agents like:

• Celery powder
• Celery juice
• Sea salt
• Vinegar
• Spices
• Fruit powders

These ingredients naturally contain small amounts of nitrates that convert to nitrites while curing. The end result is ham cured without artificial or added nitrates/nitrites.

Reputable uncured ham brands test their products to ensure nitrite levels are at or below what’s found in conventional cured ham. This allows for food safety while eliminating artificial nitrate use.

What is No-Nitrate-or-Nitrite-Added Ham?

Some ham products take their nitrate-free claims a step further with labels like “No Nitrates or Nitrites Added Except Those Naturally Occurring in Cultured Celery Powder and Sea Salt.”

This means no nitrates or nitrites are used at all during processing – not even from natural sources like celery. The only nitrites present are those occurring naturally at very low levels in sea salt.

This type of ham often relies on ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and cherry powder for preservation instead of nitrate-containing curing agents.

Healthiest Options: Best Nitrate-Free Ham Brands

If you’re looking to reduce nitrosamines and other carcinogens from processed meats, here are some top nitrate-free ham brands to try:

Naked Bacon

• “No Nitrates or Nitrites Added” uncured ham
• Hickory smoked and slow roasted
• Made from humanely raised pigs

Applegate

• “No Nitrates or Nitrites Added” line
• Uses sea salt, celery juice, vinegar for curing
• Humanely raised meats

Oscar Mayer

• Select hams labeled “No Artificial Preservatives”
• Cured using celery juice instead of nitrates
• No artificial colors/flavors

Boar’s Head

• “No Nitrates or Nitrites Added” hams
• Cured with sea salt and cultured celery extract
• Gluten-free options available

Jones Dairy Farm

• “No Nitrates or Nitrites Added” Canadian bacon
• Cured with celery juice and sea salt
• Excellent alternative to traditional bacon

Wellshire Farms

• “No Nitrates or Nitrites” added to deli hams
• Celery juice powder used for curing
• Products certified humane

Tips for Cooking & Serving Nitrate-Free Ham

Making the switch to uncured ham is better for your health, but it does come with some differences in taste, texture, and cooking method. Here are some tips:

• Uncured ham has a lighter pink color rather than deep ruby red of traditional ham. This is normal.

• The flavor is subtler without harsh chemical overtones. Embrace the milder taste.

• Texture is more delicate. Slice thinly and handle gently to prevent shredding.

• Cook uncured ham thoroughly since it doesn’t contain nitrite preservatives. Internal temp should reach 160°F.

• Store refrigerated and use within 4-7 days for maximum freshness. Freeze for longer storage.

You may need to adjust your cooking techniques, but with some trial and error, you can find new favorite ways to enjoy healthier uncured and no-nitrate hams. From sandwiches to eggs Benedict to pizza and more, nitrate-free ham opens up possibilities for timeless recipes.

So next time you shop for ham, double check the label for uncured, no nitrates/nitrites added options. With so many choices now available, there’s no need to settle for chemical-laden processed ham full of potentially harmful nitrosamines. Your taste buds and health will thank you!