Prague Powder expiry date?

[Smokeville]

Hi all;

I'm thinking of making pastrami and the recipe calls for Prague Powder, which I bought some time back. The best before date says Feb/10 meaning 2010.

"When in doubt, throw it out" comes to mind, but since it is mostly salt I wonder if the date has all that much meaning.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Rich

[NePaSmoKer]

As long as its not crystallized, wet or discolored it should be good. Clumping can be OK just smash it up.

Prague powder #1 contains 6.25% sodium nitrite and 93.75% sodium chloride.

[Smokeville]

As long as its not crystallized, wet or discolored it should be good. Clumping can be OK just smash it up.

Prague powder #1 contains 6.25% sodium nitrite and 93.75% sodium chloride.

Thanks! It is in good shape, so I'll go ahead.

[Habanero Smoker]

As long as the clumps break apart easily with little pressure.

When I am in doubt about my cure, I just make up a small batch and cure a couple of pork chops for a few hours. If the meat remains reddish after frying, the cure is good.