Spraying apple cider on ribs

Tom

Ive seen a few recipes where people spray apple cider or juice on there ribs while they are cooking. Who does this? Why?[p]Does it add a certain taste? [p]Just curious.[p]Tom

RRP

Tom,
can't say as I've seen these recipes you are refering to, but I've been misting my baby backs with apple juice (not cider) for a couple years now. IMHO it keeps them moist on the outside as they slow cook. I keep a plastic (pump up pressure) container in the refrig all the time as apple juice will spoil. The thing is like a Mr MistO but a third of the price.

Stogie

Tom,[p]Very common practice to baste the meat. I use a garden spray bottle and mix my juice with some olive oil(2/3 juice, 1/3 oil). I like the olive oil because it will help the juice last much longer.[p]I use any type of juice the kids happen to be drinking. Apple is popular because of it's complimenting pork so well.[p]I know several cooks who do not do this and still turn out great ribs. I like the fact it help prevents the bark from becoming too tough and chewy.[p]Stogie

Unknown

Tom, I have read that spraying, basting ribs or any pork with apple cider vinegar causes the meat to "open up" , thus absorbing more of the flavors that are present when egging, it also causes them to be more tender, while not affecting the moisture factor. I have tried it on ribs and without on ribs, cannot tell a whole lot of difference, but I smoke my ribs very slow, so they are always tasty and moist.