added as the main preservative. The generation
of nitric oxide assures the preservation
but also contributes to the formation of the
typical pink color. Sodium ascorbate or
sodium erythorbate may be added to assure
rapid nitrite disappearance and avoid the
potential generation of nitrosamines. Other
ingredients may be added to the brine,
depending on the desired fi nal quality of the
hams. For instance, different amounts of
phosphates, polyphosphates, or pyrophosphates
can be added to increase the amount
of retained water; these amounts are regulated
and controlled. Phosphates increase
the pH of the ham, far from the isoelectric
point of meat proteins, but also increase
the ionic strength and contribute to protein
solubilization.