[yankieGirl]

Anyone have experience preserving pork in order to avoid refrigeration?

Is this something a relatively intelligent person can do on her own with the help of an incredibly crafty(carpenter, welder, plummer etc) husband?

I would love to have a small smoke house.

[Eve]

How long would you want to keep it for? Our bacon can last for months, and our salami's.

[yankieGirl]

yes, I am thinking in terms of months or more if possible.

We have 4 hogs that will be ready for butchering in the fall (we will sell at least half of them).

This is our 3rd year of raising pigs and would like to continue to learn to be more self sufficient and do things ourselves.

[Dan]

Air dried ham is something you might want to consider, depending on what places you'd have to hang it. So long as you can keep it fly-free, and it's not really warm, it should keep for months.

There are lots of useful guides online, including this one: http://www.leegarlandphotography.co.uk/blog/index.php/2010/07/how-to-make-an-air-dried-ham/

[oink]

I tried salami's this year that were delicious, although very tough.  Here's a thread on it;

http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=12223.msg139703#msg139703

The basic (milano) salami was my favourite although I didn't try the choritzo, that's for this year

Have fun.  I'm thinking of making a smoker as well so let us know how you get on if you choose this route.  I think I'm right in saying cold smoking (rather than hot) is the way to go if your aim is preserving. 

Ps. Dan, thanks for the link on the air dried ham.  Another project I think I'll give a go this year.  I'm absurdly prone to romanticising the past but I really like the way they ate fresh meat while it was cold enough to store ie winter and when the temps increased the salami's and hams etc would be ready.  Perfect

[oink]

I forgot to add, who is this "relatively intelligent person can do on her own" that you mention.  Don't forget we've read your views on politics

[yankieGirl]

I forgot to add, who is this "relatively intelligent person can do on her own" that you mention.  Don't forget we've read your views on politics

Oink!  You folks over there do have a sense of humor!!!!

I am honored you remember me even if it is for a negative in your eyes (my tea party political views).  Yesterday didn't look good.  Looks as if we are all in the crapper(economically).

Thanks for the link and encouragement on pork preservation.