Dextrose is a natural occurring form of sugar found in honey, fruits, and mammal blood and, more to the point, this powdered dextrose from T.S.M. (model 11-1021) is an essential ingredient in the processing of semi-dry sausages, cured and dry-cured. Dextrose is a form of sugar, and this sweetener has about 70% the sweetness of regular table sugar; this nutrient is utilized by lactic acid organisms to help the process of fermentation. The dextrose actually bonds with the cells of the meat, and thereby gives cured meat its tangy flavor. If salt is used as a preservative, dextrose will also reduce the salty flavor. Two to five tablespoons of this dextrose powder is sufficient for 10 pounds of meat. This whole container (5 lbs.) of powdered dextrose is enough to process about 680 lbs. of meat.