What You Need to Know
The process relies on dehydration to lower water activity below 0.6, salt to create osmotic stress, phenolic compounds from smoking to act as antimicrobials, and lactic acid to acidify the matrix. Together these barriers prevent mesophilic bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, and spoilage organisms while preserving protein structure and nutritional value.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Reduction of water activity and inhibition of microbial growth via dehydration, salt-curing, smoking phenolics, and acidification