Does boiling cured meats reduce salt?

Here's why:

* Salt is a soluble compound. When you boil cured meat, the salt dissolves into the water.

* Water evaporates during boiling. As the water evaporates, the salt concentration in the remaining water and the meat increases.

* Salt doesn't break down during boiling. The salt remains chemically unchanged.

Therefore, boiling cured meats will not reduce salt content.

If you're looking to reduce salt intake, here are some alternative methods:

* Choose low-sodium cured meats. Many brands offer lower-sodium versions of cured meats.

* Rinse cured meats before cooking. This can help remove some of the surface salt.

* Soak cured meats in water before cooking. Soaking for several hours can help draw out some of the salt.

* Combine cured meats with other ingredients. Mixing cured meats with vegetables, grains, or other low-sodium foods can help dilute the salt content.

Important Note: While boiling cured meats doesn't reduce salt content, it can help to make the meat more tender.