Is Morton Tender Quick the Same as Prague Powder?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever found yourself confused about the difference between Morton Tender Quick and Prague Powder? You’re not alone.

Both are used as curing salts in meat processing, but they have distinct differences. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of each and help you understand whether one can be substituted for the other.

What Is Morton Tender Quick?

Morton Tender Quick is a curing salt that contains both salt and nitrites. It’s used to preserve meat and enhance its flavor. It comes in a pink package and is commonly used for making bacon, ham, and other cured meats.

How Does Morton Tender Quick Work?

Morton Tender Quick works by inhibiting bacterial growth in meat. The salt draws out moisture from the meat while the nitrites kill bacteria that cause spoilage. This process not only preserves the meat but also enhances its flavor and color.

What Is Prague Powder?

Prague Powder, also known as InstaCure or pink curing salt, is a mixture of sodium chloride (salt) and sodium nitrite. It’s used to cure meats like ham, bacon, sausage, and corned beef.

How Does Prague Powder Work?

Like Morton Tender Quick, Prague Powder works by inhibiting bacterial growth in meat. However, unlike Morton Tender Quick, Prague Powder does not contain sugar or any other flavorings.

Can You Substitute One for the Other?

While both Morton Tender Quick and Prague Powder are used to cure meats, they cannot be substituted for each other.

Morton Tender Quick contains both salt and nitrites as well as sugar and flavorings. If you were to use it in place of Prague Powder when making bacon or ham, for example, you would end up with a different flavor profile than you intended.

Prague Powder, on the other hand, contains only salt and nitrites. If you were to use it in place of Morton Tender Quick in a recipe that calls for the latter, your meat would lack the sugar and flavorings that Morton Tender Quick provides.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Morton Tender Quick and Prague Powder are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. While they both serve the same purpose of curing meats, they have distinct differences in their composition and flavor profiles. It’s important to use the correct curing salt for each recipe to ensure that your meat turns out as intended.