So the analytical obsessive compulsive side of me did more research to find out if there are any suitable natural alternatives to sodium nitrite. It appears the answer for now is no. For anyone who wants to know everything about the search for natural cured meat, go here http://www.meatscience.org/pubs/White%20Papers/wp_001_2007_Natural_Organic_Cured_Meat.pdf
That is not light reading!
oooooouuccchhh! my brain hurts. (poor little fella)
Thanks for the link. Very informative.