When I was in a military school, the rumors had it that they put saltpeter in meats to reduce our rampant libidos. As a result we stayed away from most cured meats in the dining hall. Just a latrine legend, but it affects my eating habits to this day.

Very little is needed. About 1/4 teaspoon potassium nitrate (salt peter) is enough to add to the coat of one ham and one bacon.