Bacon Salty
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PapaSop Nice work! I’m glad to see that you’ve got a method found that works for you!
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Wholey Carp!
I’ve started to read maybe a quarter or a third of this thread.
I’ve done over 55 pounds of Duroc pork bellies starting in January of this year in a wet (not injected ) cure and I’ve not had a single bad comment, on the contrary quite the opposite.
I now have 2 whole Berkshires bellies and 1 and a half Duroc pork bellies in a brine now.I always wanted to do a dry bring bacon, BUT AFTER READING THIS early on for a bit, I think I’ll stick to my tried and true !
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Going to jump back into this thread. Last two tries at this still came a little saltier than I want. Even after multiple rinses. Decided to try the EQ method. First thing, had to grab some meat.

Talked them down to $4lb on the bellies. Still pricey, in fact, doubled since last fall. That said, still wanted to try again and still cheaper than the commercial stuff. Yeah, grabbed some rib-eye as well.
The EQ calculator I used started at 2% salt as a default. Weighed this out and thought this looked like way to much. Recalculated at 1.75%. Went with this. Sugar and cure at recommended %.

Bagged and left in fridge for seven days. Pulled and fried up a slice. Salt content was what I was looking for. Back to the fridge for another day. Pulled and racked for an overnight sit. Decided not to rinse this. Next day. Smoker. No smoker pics but a couple before and after.


Slicer time.


I’m thinking this EQ method is the way to go. Total control over the process. Thanks to all who shared comments regarding this method.
Ok, so, the good with the bad. Have to admit, my bad.
Finger vs slicer … Slicer wins. Luckily it was just a little skin.
Decided to call my bandage Jonathon 


PapaSop bacon looks great. Congrats

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All sliced and ready to go. Long as I’m going to sample, might as well make a meal out of it.

So. This is much less salty than the first one. Still a bit more salty than I’d like but very good. Conclusion.
Five days curing and three rinses made a difference. Perhaps the next one will get four rinses. That would probably bring it to where I want it.
lkrfletcher. Lynn, I hope you decide to try again. Perhaps doing one pound runs until you get what you’re looking for.
BTW, the cracked pepper is really good.
PapaSop thats a perfect picture right there.
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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

PapaSop That’s goodness on the way!
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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

PapaSop Looking forward to the taste test results. Thinking you got this down.
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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

PapaSop this looks great.
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Well the bacon is out. Will let it cool awhile. Anxious to try it though.

As long as the smoker is going might just as well do some baby backs. Hmm, late supper tonight.

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That bacon looks great
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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

PapaSop Looking good. You are really becoming “Bacon Wizard!”
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Well the bacon is out. Will let it cool awhile. Anxious to try it though.

As long as the smoker is going might just as well do some baby backs. Hmm, late supper tonight.

PapaSop Awesome looking end product. Hey, don’t complain about the weather. 91* on Wednesday. Dropped 62* and 7" of snow on Friday!
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PapaSop Looking good. You are really becoming “Bacon Wizard!”
Bob Stehlik PapaSop He’s the BACONATOR!
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Bacon time. Round three. Used the EQ method again. Seven day cure. Some hickory smoke today. Perfect morning, temps in the mid 40’s.

PapaSop Those look good & ready. I wish I could get some bellies like that around here. Heck, Id just like to get some bellies.
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Well the bacon is out. Will let it cool awhile. Anxious to try it though.

As long as the smoker is going might just as well do some baby backs. Hmm, late supper tonight.

PapaSop thanks you for helping me decide what I want for dinner. Ribs it is!
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Well the bacon is out. Will let it cool awhile. Anxious to try it though.

As long as the smoker is going might just as well do some baby backs. Hmm, late supper tonight.

PapaSop your just showing off now.
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Well the bacon is out. Will let it cool awhile. Anxious to try it though.

As long as the smoker is going might just as well do some baby backs. Hmm, late supper tonight.

PapaSop now that looks tasty
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Thanks all. Couldn’t have done all this without this community. So much knowledge here.
Final taste is wonderful. I backed off the salt percentage by . 25% from the last run. Think I hit my sweet spot.
All sliced and packaged.

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