sugared varieties should not be forgotten about either. While the curing process is somewhat overly scientific, what's going on is that the natural chemicals found in salt extract water, where dangerous little buggies would live, so that as the meat ages it is still entirely and safely edible.
Common Cured Meats
You've probably already encountered cured meat in your past without knowing it. The top of the list that are the most common and perhaps the most worth trying are a nice salty anchovies.
