The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Food processing => Topic started by: irenemcc on August 31, 2015, 02:18:47 pm

Title: bacon
Post by: irenemcc on August 31, 2015, 02:18:47 pm

Anyone know if I can cure pork for bacon after it has been frozen. Got 2 pieces curing at present from the pigs slaughtered recently but if it works would like to try again. Rest of pork is all in the freezer now.

Title: Re: bacon
Post by: Bionic on August 31, 2015, 02:22:33 pm

I have been told t[size=78%]hat pork cures better once it has been frozen because the freezing process helps to break down the fibres and therefore the cure gets into the meat more easily[/size]

Title: Re: bacon
Post by: The Mobile Butcher on August 31, 2015, 07:38:39 pm

I have not ever cured after the pork has been frozen,  but I agree, there is no reason why you can't. ..... I would pad/pat dry the pork before putting the salt/cure onto the pork.
hope all goes well :thumbsup:

Title: Re: bacon
Post by: The Idiot on October 07, 2015, 01:58:13 pm

I'd say around 75 per cent of the bacon I make is from frozen bellies. I've often read that in regions where pigs might be susceptible to Trichinella Spiralis (not the UK) it's best to freeze the pork before curing and smoking.

Freezing will affect the cellular structure, but I certainly don't detect any difference in cure time, taste or texture between bacon made from fresh or frozen bellies.