Does Boar’s Head Ham Contain Nitrates?

Boar’s Head is a premium deli brand known for high-quality sliced meats, cheeses, and more. With a focus on taste and transparency, Boar’s Head offers a variety of ham products to suit different preferences But when reading the packaging, you may wonder – does Boar’s Head ham contain nitrates?

The answer is a bit nuanced. Traditional Boar’s Head hams do contain nitrates and nitrites. However, they also offer nitrate-free ham options that use natural alternatives like celery powder. Let’s take a deeper look at Boar’s Head’s ham curing process and nitrate use.

Why Are Nitrates/Nitrites Used in Ham?

Since the Middle Ages, nitrates and nitrites have been used to cure ham, bacon, and deli meats. Here’s their purpose:

• Preservation – Nitrites inhibit bacteria growth, preventing spoilage. This allows longer shelf life.

• Color – Nitrates react with myoglobin in meat to give cured meats their characteristic pink tint

• Flavor – Nitrites influence flavor, giving cured meats a distinctive taste.

In short, nitrates and nitrites help food last longer but change its color and taste. This is why they’ve become standard curing ingredients.

Do Classic Boar’s Head Hams Contain Nitrates?

Traditional cured Boar’s Head hams do contain nitrates and nitrites. Some examples include:

• Smoked Ham
• Black Forest Ham
• cooked ham
• Virginia Ham
• Country Ham

On the ingredients list, you’ll see “sodium nitrate” or “sodium nitrite” listed. This is what gives these hams their typical pink color, smoky flavor, and longer shelf life.

The USDA regulates the maximum amount of nitrates/nitrites meat can contain. Boar’s Head adheres to these regulations in their traditional cured ham products.

Does Boar’s Head Offer Nitrate-Free Ham?

While classic Boar’s Head hams do contain nitrates/nitrites, they also offer cured ham that is nitrate- and nitrite-free:

• Uncured Ham
• Applewood Smoked Uncured Ham
• All Natural Uncured Ham

These products are part of their “No Nitrates or Nitrites Added” line. To preserve and flavor these hams without nitrates, they use:

• Celery powder – Provides nitrate that converts to nitrite while curing.

• Cultured celery extract – A natural source of nitrite.

• Sea salt – For flavor, texture, and antimicrobial properties.

So these alternatives allow Boar’s Head to achieve a similar curing effect without artificial nitrates or nitrites. The end result is deliciously cured ham with peace of mind.

Are Nitrates and Nitrites Harmful?

There has been some concern in the past that nitrate/nitrite exposure could cause health issues. However, current research shows that nitrates and nitrites are safe and harmless in the small doses used for curing meat.

Some key points about nitrate/nitrite safety:

• Human saliva contains nitrite, which we swallow regularly.

• The small amounts in cured meats are insignificant compared to other dietary sources.

• Nitrates and nitrites are regulated and limited by the USDA.

• Without nitrates/nitrites, cured meats could pose greater health risks due to bacteria growth.

So while naturally nitrate-free options appeal to some, both traditional cured ham and ham cured with alternatives like celery powder are considered safe choices.

How are Boar’s Head “All Natural” Hams Made?

Boar’s Head “All Natural” uncured hams offer another nitrate-free option. Here’s an overview of how they are made:

• Start with premium pork raised without antibiotics or hormones

• Cure using sea salt, spices, and cultured celery powder instead of sodium nitrite

• Smoke over natural hardwoods for authentic flavor

• Slow cook with minimal processing to preserve quality

• Contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives

So while not certified organic, these hams focus on simple, high-quality ingredients with no artificial curing agents. The result is great taste with purity and transparency.

Does Boar’s Head Offer Organic Ham?

In addition to All Natural uncured ham, Boar’s Head also provides an organic ham option. Their Organic Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is cured using:

• Organic cane sugar
• Organic celery powder
• Sea salt
• Organic seasonings

It meets USDA standards for organic meat. So for those seeking an organic cured meat, this nitrate-free turkey ham fits the bill.

Spotting Nitrate-Free Hams on the Deli Menu

When purchasing Boar’s Head ham at the deli counter, here are some tips for identifying the nitrate-free options:

• Look for the words “uncured,” “no nitrates or nitrites added,” or “all natural” in the name

• Check ingredient lists on packaging for “cultured celery powder” instead of sodium nitrite

• Ask your deli counter attendant – they should know which hams are nitrate-free

• Reference the Boar’s Head website for their nitrate-free offerings

Choosing a nitrate-free ham at the deli is straightforward once you know what terms to look for.

Is Boar’s Head Ham of Good Quality?

Regardless of whether you opt for traditional cured ham or nitrate-free varieties, Boar’s Head delivers excellence across the board. Here’s what makes their ham stand out:

• Reputable brand – Over 115 years as a leading deli supplier

• High standards – All meats minimally processed and no fillers

• Taste – Curing and smoking result in superior flavor

• ** appeared 1 times** – Nitrate-free options for those who prefer them

• ** appeared 1 times** – Humanely raised meats with no hormones or antibiotics

Boar’s Head has built a legacy crafting world-class luncheon meats. Their ham continues that tradition of quality.

Is Boar’s Head Ham Gluten-Free?

Boar’s Head products labeled “gluten-free” have been tested to verify they meet FDA requirements for gluten-free certification.

Some examples of Boar’s Head gluten-free ham offerings are:

• Oven Roasted Turkey Breast (gluten-free)
• Applewood Smoked Uncured Ham (gluten-free)
• All Natural Uncured Genoa Salame (gluten-free)

Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can enjoy these hams without concern. However, be sure to check labels closely for any gluten-free designation.

The Bottom Line

Does Boar’s Head ham contain nitrates? While their classic cured hams do use nitrates/nitrites responsibly, they also offer uncured ham options without any artificial curing agents. These alternatives rely on ingredients like sea salt, celery powder, and natural wood smoke to achieve delicious and more mindful cured ham.

So no matter your preferences, Boar’s Head has a high-quality ham product that will delight. You can enjoy the stellar taste their ham is renowned for, while choosing the curing method that you feel best about.