Curing salt, also known as Prague Powder or pink salt, is a blend of sodium chloride, also known as table salt, and sodium nitrate/nitrite. It is most commonly used to prevent food spoilage and to maintain food color during long-term storage and cooking. Its distinctive pink hue is food-grade dye to avoid confusion with regular table salt. Curing salt is particularly essential in meat curing recipes such as sausages, hams, bacon and hot dogs. Its main function is to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, which can cause the lethal food poisoning known as botulism. Despite its benefits, curing salt should be used sparingly due to its high sodium content and is not recommended for use in normal cooking or seasoning.

Curing salt can usually be found in the spice aisle of a grocery store. If not there, it might be with baking ingredients or in the section with grilling supplies and marinades. If you can't find it, ask a store employee to guide you. Keep in mind that not all regular grocery stores stock curing salts, you might need to check a specialty food store or a store catering to professional cooks.