Jaffo, did you use any saltpeter in your pickling mix?

No, I leave that out. I don't think it is necessary. All it does IMO is add to the preservation process and make the meat look pink. Honestly, I like the color the way it is, and am happier about not using any preservatives..

Funny you should mention salt peter though. My wife was looking for a gift for a baby shower and I recommended Salt Peter.. Thought it would have been a funny joke heh..

Jafo, Saw a Good Eats show a while ago. Alton was making corned beef. I never knew that saltpeter was a high risk cause for cancer and it shouldn't be used. The reason it is used for corned beef is because people don't really eat very much of it. The military thing is just a wives tale, lol, I remember boot camp and the rumor of our food being laced. We all believed it. It is an excellent stump remover and we wouldn't have gun powder with out it.