Hello all, I have been lurking for some time, watching the videos and reading.

First, thanks to all. My 50/50 venison/beef snack sticks have come a long way from all that I have learned here.

I have been using the Gigawatt hot seasoning in a 19mm collagen casings. I am using Sure Gel binder, Sure Cure and encapsulated citric acid.
I am smoking them at the recommended temps and all is well up to this point.

After I remove them from the smoker, I soak them in an ice water bath for about 10 minutes Then let them cool for about an hour.

I then vacuum seal them and immediately refrigerate them.

They appear mostly dry when I vacuum seal them; however, when I open the packages the cases are all soggy and nasty looking/feeling.

Does anyone see something that I am doing wrong?
Has anyone ever had this happen?
Do I need to let them dry longer? like maybe overnight?

Ok guys thanks. The next batch I will let them dry over night, then vacuum seal them. I was reluctant to let them dry “too long” to prevent any spoilage, but I did not know what “too long” was, hence my rush to vacuum seal them and refrigerate immediately.

What would a “safe” time be, before I have to seal them.
Also, what is your opinion on how long so you think they can stay at room temp after vacuum sealing?

I realize I do not have the proper equipment to call them “shelf stable”, but what is a good rule of thumb.

Gotcha…

I’m gonna try it like Paul suggested next time.

Hey Paul, is that you in your avatar?