Nitrites in Food Preservation

Preservatives are compounds used to delay or prevent the chemical and microbiological deterioration of foods. Nitrites and nitrates are used in many foods as preservatives and functional ingredients. Nitrites are critical components used to cure meat and are known to be multifunctional food additives. They are also potent antioxidants. Nitrites are white to pale yellow hygroscopic crystals. Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) is markedly less hygroscopic than potassium nitrite (KNO₂). Nitrites are quite soluble in water and liquid ammonia but much less soluble in alcohol and other solvents. At room temperature, one part of water dissolves one part sodium nitrite or three parts potassium nitrite [1].