To cure meats is a process that involves using salt, sugar or other chemicals to preserve and flavor meat products. This method has been used for centuries to prevent spoilage and enhance the taste of various types of meat such as bacon, ham, salami, sausage and jerky. The curing process typically involves mixing together ingredients like salt, sugar, nitrites or nitrates, and spices before applying it to the raw meat product. Over time, the chemicals draw out moisture from the meat, which in turn helps to preserve it while also adding flavor. Once cured, meats can be stored for long periods of time without spoiling.