Abstract: A process is disclosed for curing meat using certain fruit juices or a fruit juice composition. In one embodiment, the process involves the steps of (a) contacting the meat with a curing composition comprising apple juice, grape juice, pear juice, cherry juice, strawberry juice, pineapply juice, and/or peach juice, and (b) curing said meat for an effective period of time to provide a desired cured meat product. In another embodiment of the invention, the process involves the steps of (a) preparing a mixture comprising at least one meat and at least one fruit juice selected from the group consisting of apple juice, pear juice, strawberry juice, pineapple juice, grape juice, and/or peach juice, (b) comminuting said mixture, and (c) curing said mixture for an effective period of time to provide a desired cured meat product acceptable to USDA standards.