Ingredient
Celery Powder & Cherry Powder
What is Celery Powder & Cherry Powder?
Celery Powder and Cherry Powder are made by drying celery and cherries, respectively, and grinding them into a fine powder. These powders retain the natural compounds and flavors of the original fruits and vegetables.
They are often used in meat products, especially cured meats like bacon and sausage, as natural sources of nitrites that help in preservation and color retention. While there is ongoing debate about the health implications of nitrite consumption, naturally-occurring nitrates from vegetables like celery are generally considered safer than synthetic versions.
When you see these ingredients on a label, they are contributing both to flavor and as a natural preservative by converting naturally to nitrites during processing.
Commonly found in: cured meats, bacon, sausage, lunch meats, snack sticks
What to watch
- Nitrites can potentially form nitrosamines, which are compounds of concern, but this is typically more relevant with synthetic nitrites.
Benefits
- Provides natural nitrites that can help in meat preservation and impart flavor.
- Made from natural vegetables and fruits, contributing to flavor enhancement.
These ingredients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when derived from natural sources.
While there is some debate on nitrites, research indicates natural sources like celery powder are less likely to cause harm than synthetic nitrites.
Being plant-derived, these powders are typically acceptable in vegan diets.
Sources: Food Ingredients and Colors
Scout's take
A naturally derived nitrate cure — chemically still nitrates, but paired with cherry powder whose natural vitamin C inhibits nitrosamine formation, the primary mechanism of harm in cured meats.
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