Food - Drink
Cured Vs. Uncured Hot Dogs: What's The Difference?
By SHAYE GLISSON
USA Today says some of the best foods for the summer holiday are hot dogs, hamburgers, and wings. Hot dogs specifically, both cured and uncured, have additives and other ingredients blended into them that increase flavor and prevent the meat from spoiling and growing bacteria.
Cured hot dogs are fully cooked and ready to be warmed and can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge and at room temperature for up to two hours. They contain nitrates and nitrites that help prevent the meat from going wrong and enhance the flavor and color, but unfortunately, these preservatives are linked to toxicity, thyroid problems, cancer, and risk for heart disease.
Meanwhile, uncured hot dogs don't contain artificial nitrates and nitrites but instead are preserved with the naturally occurring nitrates in celery juice or powder. They are also fully cooked like cured hot dogs but constantly refrigerated and can be quickly grilled, microwaved, or cooked on the stove or in the oven.