Skip to content
  • Home
  • Walton's
    • Home
    • Seasonings
    • Casings
    • Packaging
    • Supplies
    • Equipment
    • Smoking/Grilling
    • Sales
    • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Topics
    • Unread
    • Recent
    • Random
    • Popular Monthly
    • Popular All-Time
    • Unsolved
    • Solved
  • Events
  • FAQ
  • Conv Chart
    • Seasonings
    • Cures
    • Additives
Skins
  • Light
  • Brite
  • Cerulean
  • Cosmo
  • Flatly
  • Journal
  • Litera
  • Lumen
  • Lux
  • Materia
  • Minty
  • Morph
  • Pulse
  • Sandstone
  • Simplex
  • Sketchy
  • Spacelab
  • United
  • Yeti
  • Zephyr
  • Dark
  • Cyborg
  • Darkly
  • Quartz
  • Slate
  • Solar
  • Superhero
  • Vapor

  • Default (No Skin)
  • No Skin
  • Team Blue Skin
Collapse
Meatgistics - Walton's - Community
  1. Home
  2. Categories
  3. Community
  4. Meat Processing
  5. Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine

Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Meat Processing
32 Posts 8 Posters 1.3k Views 7 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • Idaho SmokeyI Idaho Smokey

    You can make all of your bacon using the equilibrium process. You can do it as a dry brine or a wet brine. The wet brine does take more cure because you are figuring both the weight of the meat and the water instead of just the weight of the meat. I have been using this process for a number of years and have made regular bacon or “Side bacon” using pork belly, Canadian bacon or “Back bacon” using pork loin, and “Buckboard bacon” using pork butt. There is a calculator that many people use at: http://www.diggingdogfarm.com/page2.html . I have a program that works in Excel that does basically the same thing as the diggingdog farm calculator but is printable. I found it on another forum years ago. I can’t remember which forum or who came up with it. I can’t post it here, I have tried. I can send it to anyone that wants it via email (rmbrad@sitestar.net). The great thing about these calculators is that you can change the amount of salt and sugar you use in the cure. JUST DO NOT CHANGE THE AMOUNT OR CURE #1. We found that the 2% salt used in the diggingdog calculator wasn’t salty enough for us and the 3% salt used in the Excel program was too salty. Through trial and error we hit on 2.125% salt and have been using since. Once you find the amount of salt and sugar you like you can repeat your results every time. You can add other flavorings to your bacon, just remember that any flavor they add will be subtle. I do my bacon using Black Rifle coffee as an added flavor. I also do one with a Sweet Heat rub. Most of these rubs do contain salt and or sugar so they can effect how salty or sweet your bacon turns out. Making bacon isn’t that hard and your end results will be better than anything you can get in the store.

    cdavisC Offline
    cdavisC Offline
    cdavis
    Team Blue Big Green Egg Masterbuilt Canning Kamado Joes Regular Contributors Power User
    wrote on last edited by
    #11

    Idaho Smokey thanks for sharing 👍

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • Dave in AZD Offline
      Dave in AZD Offline
      Dave in AZ
      Military Veterans Sous Vide Canning Traeger Regular Contributors Power User
      wrote on last edited by
      #12

      RESULTS:
      Last night I smoked the pork loins. Overall, fantastic success, loved it! Some results notes.

      20220413_000801.jpg 20220413_133324.jpg

      1. Cure time. 4.25" max diameter, I used dry brine calculator at genuineideas dot com to get 11.3 days, plus 20% gave 13.5 days. Alternatively, because I had a pastrami sitting on top of it in fridge the loin flattened out a bit to 2.5" thick x 4.25 wide, using the calc for 2.5" flat meat gave 9.3 total days, so good either way on 12 Apr.
        – indeed, cure had complete penetration and was perfectly uniform. Salt from center matched saltiness at edge.
      2. Salt. Both my wife and I thought the saltiness was perfect, and she leans towards less than me usually. I used 2.8% salt in equilibrium cure, with some liquid expressed in cure bag so probably ended up at 2.7% actual. I will use this amount again for ham.
      3. Sweetness. I used 2% brown sugar, and 7 T maple syrup, so 2T per 1kg meat. Good ham taste with decent sweetness. I think I like this amount, but it is more subtle than I expected.
      4. Garlic. I used 1% powdered garlic so 32g for this 3209g meat…it looked like a lot, I wa sworried. No issues though, it was a good amount. There is a decent garlic note but not too much. I could see reducing by half if you wanted to emphasize other flavors. It still clearly says Canadian bacon or ham, but on garlic side.
      5. Maple syrup. It is detectable, but barely. I think it could be skipped with no flavor change, the brown sugar carries more flavor. Or rub finished product with syrup then cornmeal coat maybe for peameal bacon look.
      6. Bay leaves, used 7, strangely you can really taste these. Comes across almost like rosemary. Decent, hard to ID but a nicely odd note. I picked all bay off meat before smoke.
      7. Black pepper, used 0.5%, good amount of spice and heat, will use this in future. And that is allll that I used.
      8. Dryness-- definitely drier than normal ham, and I didnt pump. Final weight 2613g, so 82% of start. I can see pumping up 10% would help a moist ham, not sure I want that for Canadian bacon though.
      9. Smoke. Used 100% hickory pellets from Lumber Jack. Loved it, great flavor and color.

      COOK. I put on Traeger on smoke or 180f setting. Temp was unreliable on smoke thus time, spiking to 230-245 at times where it held 150 in past. So I used 180 setting which gave 185 to 210 range. Smoked for 5.5 hours until Internal Temp reached 156 or 157 in center.
      20220413_000241.jpg

      I then let cool on rack at around 70f for 10 min, then vac sealed and dumped in ice bath for 1 hr. Then fridge.

      samspadeS 1 Reply Last reply
      1
      • Dave in AZD Dave in AZ

        RESULTS:
        Last night I smoked the pork loins. Overall, fantastic success, loved it! Some results notes.

        20220413_000801.jpg 20220413_133324.jpg

        1. Cure time. 4.25" max diameter, I used dry brine calculator at genuineideas dot com to get 11.3 days, plus 20% gave 13.5 days. Alternatively, because I had a pastrami sitting on top of it in fridge the loin flattened out a bit to 2.5" thick x 4.25 wide, using the calc for 2.5" flat meat gave 9.3 total days, so good either way on 12 Apr.
          – indeed, cure had complete penetration and was perfectly uniform. Salt from center matched saltiness at edge.
        2. Salt. Both my wife and I thought the saltiness was perfect, and she leans towards less than me usually. I used 2.8% salt in equilibrium cure, with some liquid expressed in cure bag so probably ended up at 2.7% actual. I will use this amount again for ham.
        3. Sweetness. I used 2% brown sugar, and 7 T maple syrup, so 2T per 1kg meat. Good ham taste with decent sweetness. I think I like this amount, but it is more subtle than I expected.
        4. Garlic. I used 1% powdered garlic so 32g for this 3209g meat…it looked like a lot, I wa sworried. No issues though, it was a good amount. There is a decent garlic note but not too much. I could see reducing by half if you wanted to emphasize other flavors. It still clearly says Canadian bacon or ham, but on garlic side.
        5. Maple syrup. It is detectable, but barely. I think it could be skipped with no flavor change, the brown sugar carries more flavor. Or rub finished product with syrup then cornmeal coat maybe for peameal bacon look.
        6. Bay leaves, used 7, strangely you can really taste these. Comes across almost like rosemary. Decent, hard to ID but a nicely odd note. I picked all bay off meat before smoke.
        7. Black pepper, used 0.5%, good amount of spice and heat, will use this in future. And that is allll that I used.
        8. Dryness-- definitely drier than normal ham, and I didnt pump. Final weight 2613g, so 82% of start. I can see pumping up 10% would help a moist ham, not sure I want that for Canadian bacon though.
        9. Smoke. Used 100% hickory pellets from Lumber Jack. Loved it, great flavor and color.

        COOK. I put on Traeger on smoke or 180f setting. Temp was unreliable on smoke thus time, spiking to 230-245 at times where it held 150 in past. So I used 180 setting which gave 185 to 210 range. Smoked for 5.5 hours until Internal Temp reached 156 or 157 in center.
        20220413_000241.jpg

        I then let cool on rack at around 70f for 10 min, then vac sealed and dumped in ice bath for 1 hr. Then fridge.

        samspadeS Offline
        samspadeS Offline
        samspade
        Team Orange Masterbuilt Sous Vide Team Blue Power User
        wrote on last edited by
        #13

        Dave in AZ Nice review and reasons for amount of spices used and result. Thanks.

        Dave in AZD 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • samspadeS samspade

          Dave in AZ Nice review and reasons for amount of spices used and result. Thanks.

          Dave in AZD Offline
          Dave in AZD Offline
          Dave in AZ
          Military Veterans Sous Vide Canning Traeger Regular Contributors Power User
          wrote on last edited by
          #14

          samspade thx much!

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • processheadP Offline
            processheadP Offline
            processhead
            Regular Contributors Power User
            wrote on last edited by processhead
            #15

            You all have got me motivated to try a cured smoked pork loin. This morning for the first time I began curing a 3.5 lb (56 ounce) boneless pork loin.

            I chose to keep the ingredients very basic like I do on most new projects, my theory being, the fewer the variables, the easier the troubleshooting will be if something goes south. I figure that in future projects, I can add other ingredients if I am satisfied with the balance of salt/sweetness.
            For this one, my ingredients are just salt, cure #1, and dextrose.

            I also chose to use the EQ method, but rather than use a dry brine, I dissolved the ingredients in a solution of water equal to 10% the weight of the loin (5.6 ounces of water). My decision to add water to the loin was to attempt to have a juicier finished product after smoking.

            I used the diggindog calculator which I had converted to an Excel spreadsheet like Idaho Smokey discusses above. I adjusted the amount of cure ingredients to compensate for the weight of the added water. Using my Walton’s brine pump, I pumped loin with the entire brine amount, most of which remained in the loin.

            I then bagged the loin and the small amount of liquid brine overflow, expelled air from the ziplock bag, and placed it in the refrigerator.

            20220414_081103.jpg

            20220414_081309.jpg

            20220414_082146.jpg

            After a quick rinse I put the cured loin in the electric smoker and started it at 120 F with no smoke. After an hour I raised it to 140 and applied smoke for 2 hrs. Stepped up to 150 for 2 hrs. Then shut of smoke and raised the temp to 180 for 1 hour.
            At an IT of 140 I pulled the loin out of the smoker, bagged it, and put in the sous vis for a quick finish at 150.

            Chilled the loin in cold water while still bagged and had a taste when it had dropped to 110.

            Great balanced cured/smoked meat flavor and color, without any overpowering off flavors . Seems like a good starting point for future experimentation with other sweeteners or seasoning. Saltiness is just about where it needs to be to make everyone happy that will be eating it. I like it a just a little saltier, but salt can always be added, much harder to take away salt.

            95cc0e65-6380-4da4-9008-889ca2f28f7b-20220417_083230.jpg

            02827ca4-60f6-40f8-ba5d-18953e8be79e-20220417_143312.jpg

            8d4d60bb-8d87-410d-9960-2fbc59f76185-20220417_150615.jpg

            Paul

            Dave in AZD mrobisrM 4 Replies Last reply
            3
            • processheadP processhead

              You all have got me motivated to try a cured smoked pork loin. This morning for the first time I began curing a 3.5 lb (56 ounce) boneless pork loin.

              I chose to keep the ingredients very basic like I do on most new projects, my theory being, the fewer the variables, the easier the troubleshooting will be if something goes south. I figure that in future projects, I can add other ingredients if I am satisfied with the balance of salt/sweetness.
              For this one, my ingredients are just salt, cure #1, and dextrose.

              I also chose to use the EQ method, but rather than use a dry brine, I dissolved the ingredients in a solution of water equal to 10% the weight of the loin (5.6 ounces of water). My decision to add water to the loin was to attempt to have a juicier finished product after smoking.

              I used the diggindog calculator which I had converted to an Excel spreadsheet like Idaho Smokey discusses above. I adjusted the amount of cure ingredients to compensate for the weight of the added water. Using my Walton’s brine pump, I pumped loin with the entire brine amount, most of which remained in the loin.

              I then bagged the loin and the small amount of liquid brine overflow, expelled air from the ziplock bag, and placed it in the refrigerator.

              20220414_081103.jpg

              20220414_081309.jpg

              20220414_082146.jpg

              After a quick rinse I put the cured loin in the electric smoker and started it at 120 F with no smoke. After an hour I raised it to 140 and applied smoke for 2 hrs. Stepped up to 150 for 2 hrs. Then shut of smoke and raised the temp to 180 for 1 hour.
              At an IT of 140 I pulled the loin out of the smoker, bagged it, and put in the sous vis for a quick finish at 150.

              Chilled the loin in cold water while still bagged and had a taste when it had dropped to 110.

              Great balanced cured/smoked meat flavor and color, without any overpowering off flavors . Seems like a good starting point for future experimentation with other sweeteners or seasoning. Saltiness is just about where it needs to be to make everyone happy that will be eating it. I like it a just a little saltier, but salt can always be added, much harder to take away salt.

              95cc0e65-6380-4da4-9008-889ca2f28f7b-20220417_083230.jpg

              02827ca4-60f6-40f8-ba5d-18953e8be79e-20220417_143312.jpg

              8d4d60bb-8d87-410d-9960-2fbc59f76185-20220417_150615.jpg

              Dave in AZD Offline
              Dave in AZD Offline
              Dave in AZ
              Military Veterans Sous Vide Canning Traeger Regular Contributors Power User
              wrote on last edited by Dave in AZ
              #16

              processhead this is fantastic! Almost exactly what I was going to try next for a bit juicier end result! I was going to use 20%, so I pumped 10% and had 10% around it in bag as I’d want to be sure I was using all that surface area to cure and not just relying on my newb pumping skills.

              What are your thoughts on dextrose vs. Brown sugar? I had planned on only using my dextrose when bacteria needed food, and easy to get known sugar flavors for flavoring.

              Keep us updated, I want to knie how yours turns out for sure!
              P.s. I bought that pump too, it really looked like the best I saw anywhere. Was gonna get that expensive bbq circuit one, cancelled order for this one.

              processheadP 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • Dave in AZD Dave in AZ

                processhead this is fantastic! Almost exactly what I was going to try next for a bit juicier end result! I was going to use 20%, so I pumped 10% and had 10% around it in bag as I’d want to be sure I was using all that surface area to cure and not just relying on my newb pumping skills.

                What are your thoughts on dextrose vs. Brown sugar? I had planned on only using my dextrose when bacteria needed food, and easy to get known sugar flavors for flavoring.

                Keep us updated, I want to knie how yours turns out for sure!
                P.s. I bought that pump too, it really looked like the best I saw anywhere. Was gonna get that expensive bbq circuit one, cancelled order for this one.

                processheadP Offline
                processheadP Offline
                processhead
                Regular Contributors Power User
                wrote on last edited by
                #17

                Dave in AZ said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                processhead this is fantastic! Almost exactly what I was going to try next for a bit juicier end result! I was going to use 20%, so I pumped 10% and had 10% around it in bag as I’d want to be sure I was using all that surface area to cure and not just relying on my newb pumping skills.

                What are your thoughts on dextrose vs. Brown sugar? I had planned on only using my dextrose when bacteria needed food, and easy to get known sugar flavors for flavoring.

                Keep us updated, I want to knie how yours turns out for sure!
                P.s. I bought that pump too, it really looked like the best I saw anywhere. Was gonna get that expensive bbq circuit one, cancelled order for this one.

                I don’t expect the dextrose will be as sweet as brown sugar. One reason I went with dextrose was I thought it would be more soluble in water that brown sugar. All the solid cure ingredients fully dissolved in the small amount of water I was using, so I was pleased with that.

                This is the first time I have tried the pump in an actual piece of meat. It is a good piece of equipment and works the way it is supposed to. I like the fact that you can continuously draw up brine through the suction hose when pumping.
                In the past I have just used large plastic syringes and big bore needles . This new one is a marked improvement.

                Paul

                1 Reply Last reply
                1
                • mrobisrM Offline
                  mrobisrM Offline
                  mrobisr
                  Team Blue Cast Iron Sous Vide Canning Dry Cured Sausage Masterbuilt Military Veterans Power User Regular Contributors
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #18

                  The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                  processheadP 1 Reply Last reply
                  1
                  • mrobisrM mrobisr

                    The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                    processheadP Offline
                    processheadP Offline
                    processhead
                    Regular Contributors Power User
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #19

                    mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                    The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                    The major function of a sweetener in cured meats is to take the harsh edge off the saltiness. Different sweeteners will all do this and also add their own little signature-flavors to add another dimension to the flavor. I don’t expect the dextrose to add much of anything in the way of “added dimensions”.

                    Paul

                    mrobisrM 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • processheadP processhead

                      mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                      The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                      The major function of a sweetener in cured meats is to take the harsh edge off the saltiness. Different sweeteners will all do this and also add their own little signature-flavors to add another dimension to the flavor. I don’t expect the dextrose to add much of anything in the way of “added dimensions”.

                      mrobisrM Offline
                      mrobisrM Offline
                      mrobisr
                      Team Blue Cast Iron Sous Vide Canning Dry Cured Sausage Masterbuilt Military Veterans Power User Regular Contributors
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #20

                      processhead said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                      mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                      The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                      The major function of a sweetener in cured meats is to take the harsh edge off the saltiness. Different sweeteners will all do this and also add their own little signature-flavors to add another dimension to the flavor. I don’t expect the dextrose to add much of anything in the way of “added dimensions”.

                      Ok, I don’t think my comment made any illusions to the fact that you expected “added dimensions” to your product by the use of dextrose. As a matter of fact I think my comment stated that it is truly up to the producer except that sugar could help enhance the color, but that is still subjective. Sorry if I offended you that was not my intentions I was just making comments as I seen could be useful.

                      processheadP 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • mrobisrM mrobisr

                        processhead said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                        mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                        The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                        The major function of a sweetener in cured meats is to take the harsh edge off the saltiness. Different sweeteners will all do this and also add their own little signature-flavors to add another dimension to the flavor. I don’t expect the dextrose to add much of anything in the way of “added dimensions”.

                        Ok, I don’t think my comment made any illusions to the fact that you expected “added dimensions” to your product by the use of dextrose. As a matter of fact I think my comment stated that it is truly up to the producer except that sugar could help enhance the color, but that is still subjective. Sorry if I offended you that was not my intentions I was just making comments as I seen could be useful.

                        processheadP Offline
                        processheadP Offline
                        processhead
                        Regular Contributors Power User
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #21

                        mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                        processhead said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                        mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                        The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                        The major function of a sweetener in cured meats is to take the harsh edge off the saltiness. Different sweeteners will all do this and also add their own little signature-flavors to add another dimension to the flavor. I don’t expect the dextrose to add much of anything in the way of “added dimensions”.

                        Ok, I don’t think my comment made any illusions to the fact that you expected “added dimensions” to your product by the use of dextrose. As a matter of fact I think my comment stated that it is truly up to the producer except that sugar could help enhance the color, but that is still subjective. Sorry if I offended you that was not my intentions I was just making comments as I seen could be useful.

                        No offense taken what so ever. I appreciate your comments and the experience you bring to the community. 😊

                        Earlier I had posted that I chose dextrose for a sweetener was because I was looking for a very basic cure without any extra flavors. Dextrose was about as neutral of a sweetener as I could think of. That, and I have quite a bit on hand from past brewing projects.

                        Paul

                        mrobisrM 1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • processheadP processhead

                          mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                          processhead said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                          mrobisr said in Canadian bacon started, equilibrium dry brine:

                          The cure is not really long enough for the dextrose to do much for the bacteria, but with that being said it does not hurt anything either and since it’s 70% as sweet as sugar that might be what a person would desire. Sugar actually helps the meat with the red color, so it really depends on your personal preference and your desired end results.

                          The major function of a sweetener in cured meats is to take the harsh edge off the saltiness. Different sweeteners will all do this and also add their own little signature-flavors to add another dimension to the flavor. I don’t expect the dextrose to add much of anything in the way of “added dimensions”.

                          Ok, I don’t think my comment made any illusions to the fact that you expected “added dimensions” to your product by the use of dextrose. As a matter of fact I think my comment stated that it is truly up to the producer except that sugar could help enhance the color, but that is still subjective. Sorry if I offended you that was not my intentions I was just making comments as I seen could be useful.

                          No offense taken what so ever. I appreciate your comments and the experience you bring to the community. 😊

                          Earlier I had posted that I chose dextrose for a sweetener was because I was looking for a very basic cure without any extra flavors. Dextrose was about as neutral of a sweetener as I could think of. That, and I have quite a bit on hand from past brewing projects.

                          mrobisrM Offline
                          mrobisrM Offline
                          mrobisr
                          Team Blue Cast Iron Sous Vide Canning Dry Cured Sausage Masterbuilt Military Veterans Power User Regular Contributors
                          wrote on last edited by mrobisr
                          #22

                          processhead Thanks, I truly do appreciate you knowledge and experience also.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          1
                          • processheadP Offline
                            processheadP Offline
                            processhead
                            Regular Contributors Power User
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #23

                            For anyone interested, I added some finished pictures and comments in my earlier pork loin post back on page 1

                            Paul

                            cdavisC 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • processheadP processhead

                              For anyone interested, I added some finished pictures and comments in my earlier pork loin post back on page 1

                              cdavisC Offline
                              cdavisC Offline
                              cdavis
                              Team Blue Big Green Egg Masterbuilt Canning Kamado Joes Regular Contributors Power User
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #24

                              processhead looks great. After injecting how long did you hold in the fridge before smoking?

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • processheadP processhead

                                You all have got me motivated to try a cured smoked pork loin. This morning for the first time I began curing a 3.5 lb (56 ounce) boneless pork loin.

                                I chose to keep the ingredients very basic like I do on most new projects, my theory being, the fewer the variables, the easier the troubleshooting will be if something goes south. I figure that in future projects, I can add other ingredients if I am satisfied with the balance of salt/sweetness.
                                For this one, my ingredients are just salt, cure #1, and dextrose.

                                I also chose to use the EQ method, but rather than use a dry brine, I dissolved the ingredients in a solution of water equal to 10% the weight of the loin (5.6 ounces of water). My decision to add water to the loin was to attempt to have a juicier finished product after smoking.

                                I used the diggindog calculator which I had converted to an Excel spreadsheet like Idaho Smokey discusses above. I adjusted the amount of cure ingredients to compensate for the weight of the added water. Using my Walton’s brine pump, I pumped loin with the entire brine amount, most of which remained in the loin.

                                I then bagged the loin and the small amount of liquid brine overflow, expelled air from the ziplock bag, and placed it in the refrigerator.

                                20220414_081103.jpg

                                20220414_081309.jpg

                                20220414_082146.jpg

                                After a quick rinse I put the cured loin in the electric smoker and started it at 120 F with no smoke. After an hour I raised it to 140 and applied smoke for 2 hrs. Stepped up to 150 for 2 hrs. Then shut of smoke and raised the temp to 180 for 1 hour.
                                At an IT of 140 I pulled the loin out of the smoker, bagged it, and put in the sous vis for a quick finish at 150.

                                Chilled the loin in cold water while still bagged and had a taste when it had dropped to 110.

                                Great balanced cured/smoked meat flavor and color, without any overpowering off flavors . Seems like a good starting point for future experimentation with other sweeteners or seasoning. Saltiness is just about where it needs to be to make everyone happy that will be eating it. I like it a just a little saltier, but salt can always be added, much harder to take away salt.

                                95cc0e65-6380-4da4-9008-889ca2f28f7b-20220417_083230.jpg

                                02827ca4-60f6-40f8-ba5d-18953e8be79e-20220417_143312.jpg

                                8d4d60bb-8d87-410d-9960-2fbc59f76185-20220417_150615.jpg

                                Dave in AZD Offline
                                Dave in AZD Offline
                                Dave in AZ
                                Military Veterans Sous Vide Canning Traeger Regular Contributors Power User
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #25

                                processhead those finished pics look great! Next one I make I will lean more towards your flavors. Excellent addition, thx for adding your results, really help make this thread useful with a lot of info!

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • processheadP processhead

                                  You all have got me motivated to try a cured smoked pork loin. This morning for the first time I began curing a 3.5 lb (56 ounce) boneless pork loin.

                                  I chose to keep the ingredients very basic like I do on most new projects, my theory being, the fewer the variables, the easier the troubleshooting will be if something goes south. I figure that in future projects, I can add other ingredients if I am satisfied with the balance of salt/sweetness.
                                  For this one, my ingredients are just salt, cure #1, and dextrose.

                                  I also chose to use the EQ method, but rather than use a dry brine, I dissolved the ingredients in a solution of water equal to 10% the weight of the loin (5.6 ounces of water). My decision to add water to the loin was to attempt to have a juicier finished product after smoking.

                                  I used the diggindog calculator which I had converted to an Excel spreadsheet like Idaho Smokey discusses above. I adjusted the amount of cure ingredients to compensate for the weight of the added water. Using my Walton’s brine pump, I pumped loin with the entire brine amount, most of which remained in the loin.

                                  I then bagged the loin and the small amount of liquid brine overflow, expelled air from the ziplock bag, and placed it in the refrigerator.

                                  20220414_081103.jpg

                                  20220414_081309.jpg

                                  20220414_082146.jpg

                                  After a quick rinse I put the cured loin in the electric smoker and started it at 120 F with no smoke. After an hour I raised it to 140 and applied smoke for 2 hrs. Stepped up to 150 for 2 hrs. Then shut of smoke and raised the temp to 180 for 1 hour.
                                  At an IT of 140 I pulled the loin out of the smoker, bagged it, and put in the sous vis for a quick finish at 150.

                                  Chilled the loin in cold water while still bagged and had a taste when it had dropped to 110.

                                  Great balanced cured/smoked meat flavor and color, without any overpowering off flavors . Seems like a good starting point for future experimentation with other sweeteners or seasoning. Saltiness is just about where it needs to be to make everyone happy that will be eating it. I like it a just a little saltier, but salt can always be added, much harder to take away salt.

                                  95cc0e65-6380-4da4-9008-889ca2f28f7b-20220417_083230.jpg

                                  02827ca4-60f6-40f8-ba5d-18953e8be79e-20220417_143312.jpg

                                  8d4d60bb-8d87-410d-9960-2fbc59f76185-20220417_150615.jpg

                                  mrobisrM Offline
                                  mrobisrM Offline
                                  mrobisr
                                  Team Blue Cast Iron Sous Vide Canning Dry Cured Sausage Masterbuilt Military Veterans Power User Regular Contributors
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #26

                                  processhead That CB looks perfectly cooked very juicy.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • S Offline
                                    S Offline
                                    Spidey
                                    Team Orange Sous Vide Masterbuilt PK100
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #27

                                    Have some wild turkey dry rubbed with Tender Quick and brown sugar that will get smoked on Sunday for my daughter. Made it before, but didn’t take notes and. hoping it turns out as well as last time. If my memory serves me right and it turns out well, I will post my recipe and results.

                                    cdavisC 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • S Spidey

                                      Have some wild turkey dry rubbed with Tender Quick and brown sugar that will get smoked on Sunday for my daughter. Made it before, but didn’t take notes and. hoping it turns out as well as last time. If my memory serves me right and it turns out well, I will post my recipe and results.

                                      cdavisC Offline
                                      cdavisC Offline
                                      cdavis
                                      Team Blue Big Green Egg Masterbuilt Canning Kamado Joes Regular Contributors Power User
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #28

                                      Spidey that would be appreciated. Thanks

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • processheadP processhead

                                        You all have got me motivated to try a cured smoked pork loin. This morning for the first time I began curing a 3.5 lb (56 ounce) boneless pork loin.

                                        I chose to keep the ingredients very basic like I do on most new projects, my theory being, the fewer the variables, the easier the troubleshooting will be if something goes south. I figure that in future projects, I can add other ingredients if I am satisfied with the balance of salt/sweetness.
                                        For this one, my ingredients are just salt, cure #1, and dextrose.

                                        I also chose to use the EQ method, but rather than use a dry brine, I dissolved the ingredients in a solution of water equal to 10% the weight of the loin (5.6 ounces of water). My decision to add water to the loin was to attempt to have a juicier finished product after smoking.

                                        I used the diggindog calculator which I had converted to an Excel spreadsheet like Idaho Smokey discusses above. I adjusted the amount of cure ingredients to compensate for the weight of the added water. Using my Walton’s brine pump, I pumped loin with the entire brine amount, most of which remained in the loin.

                                        I then bagged the loin and the small amount of liquid brine overflow, expelled air from the ziplock bag, and placed it in the refrigerator.

                                        20220414_081103.jpg

                                        20220414_081309.jpg

                                        20220414_082146.jpg

                                        After a quick rinse I put the cured loin in the electric smoker and started it at 120 F with no smoke. After an hour I raised it to 140 and applied smoke for 2 hrs. Stepped up to 150 for 2 hrs. Then shut of smoke and raised the temp to 180 for 1 hour.
                                        At an IT of 140 I pulled the loin out of the smoker, bagged it, and put in the sous vis for a quick finish at 150.

                                        Chilled the loin in cold water while still bagged and had a taste when it had dropped to 110.

                                        Great balanced cured/smoked meat flavor and color, without any overpowering off flavors . Seems like a good starting point for future experimentation with other sweeteners or seasoning. Saltiness is just about where it needs to be to make everyone happy that will be eating it. I like it a just a little saltier, but salt can always be added, much harder to take away salt.

                                        95cc0e65-6380-4da4-9008-889ca2f28f7b-20220417_083230.jpg

                                        02827ca4-60f6-40f8-ba5d-18953e8be79e-20220417_143312.jpg

                                        8d4d60bb-8d87-410d-9960-2fbc59f76185-20220417_150615.jpg

                                        Dave in AZD Offline
                                        Dave in AZD Offline
                                        Dave in AZ
                                        Military Veterans Sous Vide Canning Traeger Regular Contributors Power User
                                        wrote on last edited by Dave in AZ
                                        #29

                                        processhead I am about to do another loin and was going to brine and pump it like you did… but just realized you didn’t list your salt and sugar amounts, just that it was right. Mune at 2.8% dry equilibrium start maybe a bit too salty, so hoping for your feedback and salt/sugar %s before I start! Thx

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • processheadP Offline
                                          processheadP Offline
                                          processhead
                                          Regular Contributors Power User
                                          wrote on last edited by processhead
                                          #30

                                          Dave in AZ What a coincidence?!
                                          I started another pork loin yesterday, only am doing a whole one this time. Here are the numbers I used.
                                          While I used a dry cure calculator for the numbers, I pumped this one in a solution equal to 10% of the green weight of the loin. The weight of the water is added to the green weight of the loin when calculating the salt, sugar, and cure. So the loin was 6.6 lbs + .66 lbs water for a total of 7.26 lbs.

                                          Disregard references to bacon, belly etc. The calculator works for any cured meat.

                                          Let me know if any of this needs clarification.
                                          Loin Cure.jpg

                                          Paul

                                          Dave in AZD 1 Reply Last reply
                                          0

                                          Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.

                                          Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.

                                          With your input, this post could be even better 💗

                                          Register Login
                                          Reply
                                          • Reply as topic
                                          Log in to reply
                                          • Oldest to Newest
                                          • Newest to Oldest
                                          • Most Votes


                                          Sponsored By:

                                          Sponsored By Walton's Inc

                                          Sponsored By:

                                          Sponsored By Walton's
                                          Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Copyright © 2023 Walton's Inc.
                                          Meatgistics
                                          X

                                          Register Now For Complete Access To Meatgistics!

                                          Sign In Register
                                          • Login

                                          • Don't have an account? Register

                                          • Login or register to search.
                                          • First post
                                            Last post
                                          0
                                          • Home
                                          • Walton's
                                            • Home
                                            • Seasonings
                                            • Casings
                                            • Packaging
                                            • Supplies
                                            • Equipment
                                            • Smoking/Grilling
                                            • Sales
                                            • Giveaways
                                          • About Us
                                          • Topics
                                            • Unread
                                            • Recent
                                            • Random
                                            • Popular Monthly
                                            • Popular All-Time
                                            • Unsolved
                                            • Solved
                                          • Events
                                          • FAQ
                                          • Conv Chart
                                            • Seasonings
                                            • Cures
                                            • Additives