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CureSmith: The Charc Tank
Poland
Приєднався 29 кві 2021
At CURESMITH, we are passionate about the age-old art of curing meats and other foods. Our name is a nod to traditional craftsmanship - merging 'CURE', the method, with 'SMITH', the maker. We see every charcutier as a craftsman, a true "curesmith" who blends art with science to create delicious, preserved delicacies.
Our mission is to be the leading platform for both aspiring home curesmiths and seasoned professionals. We offer a comprehensive suite of resources, including educational materials, cutting-edge information, and community-driven reviews, all dedicated to the world of curing.
Whether you're looking to dive into the basics of meat curing, enhance your existing skills, or stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry, CURESMITH is your go-to community. Join us as we explore the rich traditions and innovative future of food preservation.
Our mission is to be the leading platform for both aspiring home curesmiths and seasoned professionals. We offer a comprehensive suite of resources, including educational materials, cutting-edge information, and community-driven reviews, all dedicated to the world of curing.
Whether you're looking to dive into the basics of meat curing, enhance your existing skills, or stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry, CURESMITH is your go-to community. Join us as we explore the rich traditions and innovative future of food preservation.
The Risks of Using Glass Door Refrigerators for Maturing Chambers
In this recording, we talk about the issues of using a glass door refrigerator as a maturing chamber and the possible rancidity issues that you may have as a result of UV light getting into the camber as a result of the glass door.
Supporting Article:
Full Article: curesmith.net/glass-door-maturing-chamber-risks/
Many moons ago, I built a walk-in maturing chamber and thought it would be cool to have viewing windows to let people see what we were doing. Unfortunately, when the first batch of dry-cured sausages came out two months after I had built the new chamber, they tasted sour and almost metallic. I had never experienced this before and immediately thought that something had gone wrong with the process. We waited a few more weeks for the next batch-and yes, they also came out with a sour/metallic taste.
Full Article: curesmith.net/glass-door-maturing-chamber-risks/
OUR LINKS
Website: www.curesmith.net
Facebook Group - Curesmith: Aged and Cured Meat: groups/agedandcuredmeats
Social Media:
Facebook Page - curesmithnet/
Instagram - curesmithnet
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/curesmith
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@curesmithnet
Supporting Article:
Full Article: curesmith.net/glass-door-maturing-chamber-risks/
Many moons ago, I built a walk-in maturing chamber and thought it would be cool to have viewing windows to let people see what we were doing. Unfortunately, when the first batch of dry-cured sausages came out two months after I had built the new chamber, they tasted sour and almost metallic. I had never experienced this before and immediately thought that something had gone wrong with the process. We waited a few more weeks for the next batch-and yes, they also came out with a sour/metallic taste.
Full Article: curesmith.net/glass-door-maturing-chamber-risks/
OUR LINKS
Website: www.curesmith.net
Facebook Group - Curesmith: Aged and Cured Meat: groups/agedandcuredmeats
Social Media:
Facebook Page - curesmithnet/
Instagram - curesmithnet
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/curesmith
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@curesmithnet
Переглядів: 108
Відео
Nitrite Vs No Nitrite
Переглядів 1003 місяці тому
In the world of meat preservation, the discussion of the use of nitrites is crucial and controversial. As part of our ongoing exploration of Curesmith-Preserving Tradition, we delve into the implications of using nitrite versus avoiding it in meat curing processes. Supporting Article: curesmith.net/nitrite-vs-no-nitrite-meat-curing/ OUR LINKS Website: www.curesmith.net Facebook Group - Curesmit...
Went on holiday - Meat is a bit hard, what now?
Переглядів 165Рік тому
In this video, we deal with meat that has not been checked for a while - and may have developed some case hardening. Links & Equipment mentioned in this video: Aged & Cured Meats Facebook Group: groups/agedandcuredmeats GOVEE Smart Senson - Bluetooth Thermometer & Hygrometer: eu.govee.com/collections/smart-sensors/products/wi-fi-temperature-humidity-sensor oooooo000000oooooo This v...
Re-Intro of the Q&A sessions! Its been a while - but I am back
Переглядів 249Рік тому
I am back after a long hiatus! But we are kicking off the Q&A's again. Some key links from this video: AGED AND CURED MEAT FACEBOOK GROUP: groups/agedandcuredmeats oooooo000000oooooo This video is part of a series of videos that supports the book I have written: #PreservePigs: The Art of the CureSmith. Please visit www.preservepigs.com for more information. GET MERCH: three6five....
Building a Curing Chamber (video without music)
Переглядів 24 тис.2 роки тому
Building a Curing Chamber (video without music)
Q&A #3 - Should I have a FAN or any kind of AIRFLOW in my curing chamber?
Переглядів 3,1 тис.2 роки тому
Q&A #3 - Should I have a FAN or any kind of AIRFLOW in my curing chamber?
Q&A #2 - Green & Furry Mould - Should it be binned?
Переглядів 2 тис.2 роки тому
Q&A #2 - Green & Furry Mould - Should it be binned?
First 500 Subs on this YouTube Channel get my book FREE!
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First 500 Subs on this UA-cam Channel get my book FREE!
#3 - Microbes: Part 2 - Good Microbes and their role in meat curing
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#3 - Microbes: Part 2 - Good Microbes and their role in meat curing
#2.1 - Microbes: Some additional bad actors
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#2.1 - Microbes: Some additional bad actors
#2 - Microbes: Part 1 - Bad bacterias and hygiene in the curing kitchen
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#2 - Microbes: Part 1 - Bad bacterias and hygiene in the curing kitchen
What is Water Activity, and how does it relate to meat curing?
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What is Water Activity, and how does it relate to meat curing?
Curing Climate - creating the optimal climate for curing meats
Переглядів 3,5 тис.3 роки тому
Curing Climate - creating the optimal climate for curing meats
#PresevePigs - Trussing a Joint of meat
Переглядів 9763 роки тому
#PresevePigs - Trussing a Joint of meat
I would love to hear wat you are saying but all I can hear is that stupid background music
Here is the one without the music…was the first video I made…so seas still learning 😉 ua-cam.com/video/JetFmTS9Kk0/v-deo.htmlsi=rFJjDuRR9Vu6RWBp
Very interesting, good info, thank you for sharing 👍
Thank you for sharing this video. I have recently cured, cold smoked and dried my first batch of 1kg of pork belly and also a 1kg piece of pork neck. I did a lot of research beforehand, and even more research as I went through the whole process, just to check and double check what I was doing. With all that information, I developed a process that seemed just right for me. And in this video you acknowledge almost everything that I figured out for myself. So reassured that I am really on the right track, I now have 4kg of pork belly and 3 duck breasts in a nitrite equilibrium cure plus different spices in vacuümbags in the fridge. I am again going to cold smoke these in about a week, and then dry them. I use a one time coating of diluted potassium sorbate to prevent mold growth completely, because at this point I simply don't want to deal with any molds yet, good or bad. But maybe I'll try not smoking and Bactoferm 600 later when I'm ready for it. Best regards from The Netherlands!
Are you supposed to take off the mold before you eat the salami or do you leave the mold wrapper on while you eat it.
most people remove the casing, which will include the mould...or wipe the mould off. I, personally, don't mind it either way, with mould or without. Really up to you.
Olympia Provisions claims to use 100% humidity
Thank you :)
best video.good job!
Hi there, This is not a comment about the video, but a question about fridge temperature, I have just set a 2 year old fridge up with a stc 3028 temp and humidity controller, like you have in an old video, The fridge isn't getting warm enough and the humidity is to high, while connected to the controller, the stc with the temp you recommend, would you have any solutions?
Hi Sean. Sure…I can try and help. Can you send me a short video of the problem…you can send to gilfer@curesmith.net. Will also be easier to communicate via email.
Hey Sean, I got your mail and responded.
I had same issue and I increasednrH from 75% to 80%…
Make sure your hygrometer is properly calibrated...but in the end you have to tweak the chamber until it works optimally within your own conditions.
That's very interesting! I didn't know that at all.
Thank you for this very informative video. I'm looking at using a single door chiller to start me off on this journey. I noticed that these chillers have fans at the top -for air cooling. Will the fans create any issues on curing like meat prematurely drying? I also found Inkbird's temp and humidity controller in one ITC 608T? Will that do too?
thank you for your kind comment. Yes, the fan may interfere if the air flows directly over the meat. I do not like having fans in a maturing chamber because the airflow causes the outer layer of the meat to dry out quicker, potentially causing case hardening. I suggest hanging some paper strips where you would be hanging...and if they are moving, you may have a problem. If this is the case, you could try disconnecting the fan - but the problem with a cooler like this is that the fan is usually necessary to move the cool air around, so it will not work well if the fan is disconnected. Try that...but if it is not possible, you may need to create some faring to redirect the air. The Inkbird you suggest is similar to the SHT-2000 that I use. I do like having a combination controller because that way, you have fewer bulky items around your chamber and also fewer wires having to be directed into your chamber...so in short...yes the ITC608T should be perfect!
@@curesmithnet wow! I did not expect a quick response. Thanks for your insights and confirmation on the 608 and effect of the fan on curing. I was able to find a video on the fix for the fan. Apparently connecting a smaller fan with controls and in reverse may help redirect and control the air flow... and so we'll try and see how we can adapt the concept. I am also consulting an Engineer friend on the possibility to reverse the wiring and ad fan controls so that the fan blows upward instead of downward -in the least disturbing manner. Your work here is an inspiration hope you can post more how to videos on curing as they are easy to understand. TGIF!
@@judetiongco6339 Anytime, would you mind sharing that video of the fan, as I get asked this question a lot of times, and this may be worth sharing with other curesmiths. Yes, I am certainly starting to get more active here. I am finishing my book on curing, and we are developing an 8-day course, which will be delivered in Parma, Italy, in September 2025! I am now working up to try and post something daily...check out the reels we have posted over the last few days :). Anyway, keep me posted as to how you get along with your curing chamber...
Hi! Thanks for all your videos. My commercial fridge (cyclic) has a whole size evaporation plate in the back wall. Wouldn't it be generating ice if I disconnect the fan that blows air over it?
Thanks for your comment! I appreciate that people are watching :). Yes, the evaporator plate will freeze up, especially in a commercial fridge. It is best to use a frost free fridge...but like you, I am also stuck with an older type fridge. Try and disconnect the fan to see what happens. It may increase the humidity. But if you need to run the fan then just make sure it does not blow over the meat.
@@curesmithnet Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. Tomorrow I'll try disconnecting the fan because it blows a lot of air. Today I tried blocking the airflow with a plastic lid, but it's so strong that still reaches the meat. Fridge is big (500 lts capacity). I'll let you how it goes. Thank you so much!
Anytime...yeah keep me posted
The reason ancient peoples were so good a dry curing meats, was that they used good, quality fans… 😶
🤣
Ahhhh no music! Thank you!!!! :)
that was the first video I made...was still learning...am still learning :)
Thank you!!! We’ve been making slamis for years but this is the first time in a different home (we use our cold cellar) and we’re shocked! I’m hoping this can be salvaged and we don’t have to waste all this beautiful meat! 🤞🤞
A brand new single door unit- delivered is to the house in the USA 26cubic ft, is $3,000USD And a double door unit is $4400 USD. they will run for 15-20 years without problems! True brand units!
100%, but not many home curers can afford $ 3,000.00 let alone $ 4,400.00. I have been curing in maturing chambers like I have demonstrated here for near on 20 years with fantastic success.
60% humidity works well so u dont get molds u dont want!!
Well, you do want mould - mould plays an important role in making many cured meats. 60% is on the low side for a generalist maturing chamber. Prosciutto and larger cuts can indeed do with lower humidity, even as low as 55%, but you need higher humidity for dry-cured sausages and smaller whole-muscle cures. Go to is +65%...in my experience, 75% is a good humidity to aim for. You want Nalgiovense (or similar penicillin moulds), which plays a variety of roles in the process...above 80%, and you start getting some interesting and unwanted moulds.
Very clean! Well done. This is what I aspire to... I'm not nearly there yet. ua-cam.com/video/hCwCkAhyDX4/v-deo.html I love how he slowed it down for us
You've mentioned a few times that there are forums you visit to share information on curing meat. I don't have any social media accounts and don't use facebook. Could you point us to some private discussion forums on curing that are not social media based? I''m not aware of a good ones in the English language. The only credible online resources that I can find are in Italian or French, and in one case Spanish. Thank you.
Unfortunately, most are on Facebook or Reddit. I have found this one (not social media based) helpful in the past: en.wedlinydomowe.pl/
frig i cant find a mioni fridge thats frost free and no freezer built in. if they are frost free, they got a freezer and if they dont got a freezer, they have the back plate thing. is there a way to just turn off the freezer part?
Hi, I am sorry, but I am not really an electrician. Best is to speak to a fridge specialist. There must be a way to disconnect the thermostat...or to reset it so that it is the same as the fridge part.
I found it very useful, thank you. I am in the process of setting up my chamber and i have a couple of questions if I may? 1 does the fridge built in thermostat conflict with the controller in any way and two I am thinking I might need to add some sort of heat as we just had two weeks of -11 where I am or I don't do any curing in winter as my chamber will be in a unheated detached garage.
Great stuff. I am noticing a South African accent, hopefully with the movement in the Cape, you might to get to move back home some day soon.
Thank you for watching. I don't think moving back to SA is an option now. Kids are well settled here...and I am loving being in Europe...love the history and travel options....and of course MEAT!
Excellent tutorial! Cred!
Thank you!
Hy I try to access the website but apprently is impossible to create a new account ; is the website still active ?
I am busy redoing the website...sorry...if you send me your email I will let you know as soon as it is up and running again.
What about using uv light to kill microbes?
You want microbes...it is part of the process. If you add UV light you will make the fat go rancid. There should be no light in the chamber.
What does light do and why can't it get into the chamber?
Light causes fat to go rancid.
I've just found your video and looking to start curing meats
Check out our Facebook group too: facebook.com/groups/agedandcuredmeats - it's an open group, but I am an administrator there.
@@curesmithnet thank you 👌
Reaching out to any and all. I am setting up a small, new frost free frig. Here in the US the ones we buy have a max temp of 45 degrees, about 7.5 C. I just got my Ink bird for the temp control. should I set the frig temp to it's highest temp, let the ink Bird shut that off at 45 then adding a soft heater to raise/maintain the avg temp to 55 degrees F 13-15 C? Thank You for any responses.
I lived in an environment by the ocean(Caribbean) with an average of 85 f degree and about 90% humidity. Indoor without AC it’s about 90 to 95f degree. Any recommendations? My other question is that you recommend covering your glass doors but I have seen commercial equipment for curing display with glass doors. Why is that?
How do I raise my chamber temp. My shop is 6 to 9 degrees C. average during the winter months. Heat lamp of some type? lightbulb ? thanks
Hi there. You really do not need to go up by much more...but yes, that is a bit low. All that happens at this lower temp is that it takes a bit longer for the process. But if you do want to take it a bit higher, then a heat lamp would be sufficient? I would not use normal lightbulbs as you will more than likely get rancidity from the light.
Glad you are back! Hope all is well for you. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the world. 🤩
My chamber smells like yeast... is that ok?
100% ok....that is the smell of mould
How much power does a diy curing chamber use? I see an ultra sonic humidifier on amazon that uses 22 watts. Is that 24/7 or only as needed? Would an upright freezer be fairly efficient? I figure the higher temps would really cut down on power use. I'm off grid and looking into cured meats, I raise pigs.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a high percentage of ambient humidity predominates. In case of high humidity in the drying chamber.... Would opening the drink fridge (1 door) once a day be enough? Would a dehumidifier be enough? And what features should a dehumidifier have for a 420 liter chamber? Thanks in advance !
I'm new. I would like to see more content on the drying chamber. I consume your knowledge with as much passion as you make your cured meats. Greetings from Argentina
Thank you for a very informative video.
Is the STH controller compatible for 220v in South Africa?
Yep - here where I am it is also 220v...just make sure when you order it you select the right one, because most sites offer EU and US...pick EU...also normal 2 point plug.
Thanks so much.@@curesmithnet
for gods sakes man...invert them door hinges! Oh Great...don't me you drive on the left side of the road too? Haha!
Nope - my door hinges are just fine...and you know what - I actually drive on the right side of the road - but despite all that, the meat still tastes great ;)
I have a freezer that I am going to be using as a curing chamber. 1. There is a fan in the freezer should I just disconnect it? 2. What about trimming the fan blades to make them move less air? 3. How would I make something to disperse the air more evenly?
Sorry I am only replaying now...for some reason I did not get a notification when you send this. Best option would be to remove it completely. Any kind of prolonged air movement can create case hardening in a confined space like this. To disperse the air you would need to create a fairing that will move the air clear of the meat...but in a confined space like this, even if it is not directly onto the meat you will find there will still be air movement, which is not ideal.
Hello, i have a mini fridge and got both ink birds controllers, my temperature is well managed but i am very scared for the humidity. I need to hang a good piece of meat in there and it keeps dropping to 36% and up to 90% with an average humdity of 74%, the the drop from 90 to 36 is on a 10 minutes period and it slowly gets back to 80% in 20 mins, but yes, the time between both peaks (36%) is always ~1h. Is this a big problem? Is the important thing that the average on an hour ~75%?
Sorry for only responding now - I clearly missed this comment - apologies. YES, such a big drop is not ideal, however, your average is good at 74%. Can you send me your HIGH/LOW temp and HIGH/ LOW humidity to my email, gilfer@preservepigs.com?
@@curesmithnet Hello, turns out it's because of how the water in the air freezes and gets removed from the fridge. I added a humidifier and a dehumidifier, now, it's always between 70% and 80%.
@@cupidonsauce1208 - cool, yeah you have a fridge with a freezer plate at the back - same as the one I am using in the video. Makes it a bit more challenging!
@@curesmithnet exactly but it it works! I just sliced my Bresaola this morning and it turned out great.
What a fantastic tutorial! I have been flirting around the edges of this "hobby" by experimenting with curing pork loins, this tutorial gives me the information I need to take into account when making a decision on how far into this I want to go. Thank You!
Good lukc...and PLEASE keep me updated as to your progress.
Hi. Very useful video! Do you have a video on how to switch off the thermostat and wire the thermo controller by any chance?
Hi, unfortunately I am not brave enough to mess with the actual thermostat. The best here is to talk to an experienced electrician or refrigeration expert.
@@gilferreira4382 Ok. Thank you.
Guys 😮waths porcentaje you gays meke water and mold 600 thanks
Exactly what I needed to hear with regard to my curing chamber. Thank you!
Best description I’ve seen on UA-cam, super clear and well explained!!! Just have a quick question, can you please share a diagram of the white box set up? Thanks for your time and the patience you had putting this video together for us!!!!
Apologies for only responding now...I missed this comment. Send me an email to gilfer@preservepigs.com and I will send you a diagram.
Gilbert. This is one of the best days in my charcuterie journey and it is all your fault. Reason becasue you left Darling in South Africa so I could not buy all your deli products. This made me decide to try it out myself and whola. I stumble on your site. I know what you are saying is true because I tasted your products. All the best living in Poland my vriend mag dit goed gaan.
I have a 14 cubic meter walk-in curing room. The refrigeration unit has a fan on it to distribute the cool air. Were there no fan, the temperature would be vastly different from place to place in the chamber.... sufficient humidity of 75 - 80% prevents hard casing. ... some airflow is required at times to homogenise temperature & humididy.
You are talking about a very large space. If you are required to move the air around as you suggest, all I have stated is that you need to ensure that you do not have much airflow over the meat. Check around 4:44 where I explain what to do to check if there is too much airflow.
Fantastic , very kind to take the time to share ,
I just started to cure meats, my chamber on average is around 12 celsius. Which is still in the temperature range. However, i see other instructions and most are set at around 2 to 3 degrees celsius. Can you advise on the temperature difference? Thank you
Hi there. Anything below 10C is too low. This is going to slow down the process significantly, and will also effect the quality of the meat. Best temperature range is between 12-16C. I try keep mine between 12-13C as I find this the optimal temperature range. Happy to help where I can. Good luck on your journey.
Great video, but if i use the inkbird will i have to make that box ?
No, because Inkbird is already cased.