surveyed a
large number of compounds as substitutes for nitrite in producing
the characteristic cured color in meats. According to their findings,
nitrogen-containing compounds generally had a high affinity for
the heme porphyrin iron forming bright pigments with different
color intensities. The best color that resembled the NO-Heme color
was produced by pyridine compounds. In agreement with this
observation, we have noted a significant effect of amino acids on
the color of NO-Heme and of heated cured beef slurries, indicating
the potential role of proteins and peptides in modifying cured meat
colors.