Dry Age Question

Brisket_Fanatic

ok, so I've read tons of posts on this subject but apparently I've missed something. I just pulled a CAB Ribeye out of the fridge on day 21. Wanted to start out short time just to see if I liked it our not. Top and ends are very dry but when I flipped it over the bottom was tacky and sticky. The smell was strong and like the actual cow standing in the pasture.  I was under the impression that the entire ribeye would be dry and jerky like. Is the tacky/stickiness ok or is it bad now. Temp help temp around 34-36 every time I checked it. It was on the bottom rack in a garage fridge. Pics in vanilla order. THANKS in advance and calling on @JustineCaseyFeldown @stike and whomever else has experience. 


Beginning Below



Bottom at 21 days = sticky/tacky

End piece

Raymont

Not long enough. Go at least 30 days. Setup looks ok.  Maybe more air gap below.

Brisket_Fanatic

@Raymont Thanks, is it still "safe" to eat even though the bottom is sticky? The other sides were nice and dry.  

Raymont

I would eat it. Have you cut up into steaks? If no, turn it over and let it go another week or two.

DMW

If you have paper towels under the rack, pull them out after 2 or 3 days. I'll bet the paper towels impeded air circulation under the roast.

Brisket_Fanatic

@DMW Thanks, I'll remember that for the next go around.  

Brisket_Fanatic

@Raymont Yep, cut up and will pull towels and rotate next time. 

SGH

Brisket_Fanatic said:

is it still "safe" to eat 

Brother Fanatic, I realize that this question was directed to others, but there happens to be a Meat Aging God sitting right beside me at the moment. He says that it is indeed safe to eat. With that said, it's up to you to decide if he is telling the truth or not

johnnyp

DMW said:

If you have paper towels under the rack, pull them out after 2 or 3 days. I'll bet the paper towels impeded air circulation under the roast.

What Dwayne said.  Use the paper towels to catch initial drips, but then get that moisture outta there.

Brisket_Fanatic

Thanks @SGH @johnnyp @nolaegghead

Sea2Ski

Yep - you should should be good to go assuming there was no unknown rise in temp. I know what you wrote, so you should be good.

While very doubtful, if you get any mold on it, if it is white, you are okay.  If it is any other color, wipe with a vinegar soaked towel if you see it is there one day but was not there the previous.  Again, that is very unlikely - but possible.