Dianne DeHardt

There is a significant difference between synthetic nitrites & natural nitrites found in vegetables.
https://www.seleneriverpress.com/historical/natural-versus-artificial-nitrates/

Personally I avoid using Tender Quick.  It means I have to make smaller batches that will be used very quickly and also I add lots of celery, chopped as finely as possible, into the mix.  Celery has high levels of natural nitrites.

I dont know it it protects me from botulism, but I do like the taste.  (Tho my family accuses me of overuse of celery.  In soups, etc.  I even chop it up & put it under the skin of baked chicken.  Would never make juice without it.  Ive always loved it. )

I make the knitted garter stitch dishclothes. I know - Ho Hum.  BUT did you think to use recycled string?  I have used string off of bundles of towels from the laundry (for when I hsd my biz). But now I use the string off of chainstich "pull here" bags of rabbit feed (also oats, sweet feed etc).  They are not very thick or long so I just stagger the plies. No knots.  About an hour in front of the TV & I have recycled & have a brand new cloth that doesnt mildew.   Thanks to you who recommend the compost heap when it is done.  Never thought of it.