Brandon and Lauren discuss becoming one’s own authority for curing meat by using one’s own senses, the science of water and salt on meat, as well as a well developed prowess.  They discuss whole muscle curing (as opposed to fermentation and confit methods of preservation) in a way that can fit the entire narrative in one’s mind for use in the domestic scale.

Show Notes

Topics Discussed

Introduction and Announcements:

  • Taking our time with these podcast episodes (less but longer episodes) due to our desire to attend to where our conversation leads.
  • Meatsmith Pork Shares for sale! Mangalitza (summer/fall) and Gloucester Old Spot  (winter) Shares available now for reserve.  Email harvest@farmsteadmeatsmith.com to secure a share.  See here for pricing and details on what’s included: http://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/pork-shares/
  • Testimonial that blew us away: listen at minute 7:20
  • Fall Classes are up! Purchase now…they will go quickly this spring/summer: http://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/upcoming-classes/
  • Cochon 555 Seattle recap; 18: 30

Content:

  • First, a reference to our new favorite cheap beer 🙂
  • Breaking down meat preservation into 3 categories: Whole Muscle Curing, Fermentation & Fatting
  • So…What is whole muscle curing? 33:00, holding preservation and flavor in balance as the way to achieve harmony…not necessarily acceptance from the dominant discourse voices.
  • Addressing the little devil of fear on our shoulder
    • What is botulism? 1:04:35
  • How would you cure different muscles (of different thicknesses)? 1:20:00
  • Salt Peter vs. Nitrate vs. Nitrite, 1:35:00
  • A final encouragement to go for it!…and to trust our innate spoilage detection capacity as humans. 1:46:00

Links for Episode 11:

-Pork Shares: http://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/pork-shares/

-GOS Pork Share highlight films: coming soon.

-Upcoming classes scheduled: http://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/upcoming-classes/

-Best ‘cheap’ beer: https://kulshanbrewing.com

-Salami Biellese: http://www.salumeriabiellese.com/contact.html

-Saltworks: https://www.seasalt.com 

-Benton’s: http://www.bentonscountryhams2.com