Since making this post, I had two major heart attacks (the EMT's had to use the paddles on me 3 times to bring me back!) this past spring of 2019, and having to eliminate as much salt as possible from my diet, and I am diabetic, so sugars have to go too! Small sacrifice for living vs. passing! So, I am planning on eliminating any excess salts or sugars, going only with 2 heaping tablespoons (2 oz.) of pink salt (sodium nitrite and plain salt, 6.25% and 97.75% resp.) per 1 gallon of potable water, stirred, not heated (unnecessary, it will easily dissolve by itself), plus pickling spices, 1 tablespoon. Cure and inject for 14 days minimum, then smoke for pastrami, simmer for corned beef. Will it be the same? Oh, of course not! But, it will be healthier! And, at my age and condition, that is important, also!