reductase microorganisms (Arnau, serra. comaposada, goo & garriga 2007) the nitrite reaction sequences involved in cured color development also play a role in the expression of antioxidant activities proposed mechanisms for the antioxidant effect of mitrite include reaction with heme proteins and metals and formation of nitroso- and nitrosyl-compounds with anti-oxidant properties (pegg & shahidi, 2000)