A culinary procedure involving the submersion of a cut of pork from the animal’s back in a solution primarily composed of water, salt, and sugar, often enhanced with additional flavorings. This preparation method aims to enhance the meat’s moisture content and overall flavor profile. For example, a cook might submerge a four-pound piece of pork loin in a gallon of saltwater solution with brown sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves for several hours prior to cooking.
The application of a saltwater cure to pork yields a more succulent and flavorful finished product due to the principles of osmosis and diffusion. The salt denatures the meat proteins, allowing them to retain more water during cooking, while the sugar balances the salinity and contributes to browning. Historically, the practice was crucial for preserving meat before refrigeration, though its primary function now is to improve the eating experience. Its advantages encompass increased tenderness, enhanced taste, and a more uniform cooking process.
