Belly bacon curing?

ebrooker007

I started curing some belly bacon last Saturday. The only chance I have to smoke it is tonight. Has it had enough time to cure. How do I check to see if it is cured.

Jeffersonian

Not sure how to check it, but I think Stripsteak has cured his in as little as 3-4 days, though I've done mine (admittedly it's only twice) in a week.

berrygood

It depends on the size/thickness of the meat, I think. FWIW, the first time I cured belly (2.5lbs, 1-inch thick), I only did so for about three days.

Came out a tad salty, but I only rinsed for an hour - would go at least two hours, plus the overnight rest after next time.

Good luck.

Jeffersonian

You're probably right about that. Mine was nearly 2" at the thickest point. I've got another on the Egg right now that's about 6#, but it's not quite so thick.

Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker

no... i went 7 days with the belly bacon...

the canadian (back bacon) was brine-curedd for i think 3-4 days.

ebrooker007

Would it hurt to go 12 days. I'm going out of town this week.

Hoss

You could wash off the cure at the last minute before you leave town and leave in the fridge to rest til you get back.

ebrooker007

Sounds like a plan. I guess just rinse it off and put in new zip loc bags.

Hoss

Dat's what I'd do.When ya get back maybe let it sit in fridge overnite uncovered til you're ready to smoke it the next day.