Baby backs -- silver skin membrane on until after smoking?

[xwagner]

I was at the local good butcher yesterday and I asked for four racks of baby backs. The butcher recommended leaving the membrane / silver skin ON, which I'd never heard of. I was tempted to give it a try but wound up removing the silver skin anyway.

What's the group opinion on leaving the membrane ON while smoking?

 

[s2k9k]

I pull it off but have heard it's easier to pull off after they cook so I might try that sometime.

 

[geerock]

I used to pull before smoking then I went to visit a friend in south carolina who knew a pitmaster at a great local bbq joint. We were just talking and I was surprised when he said he left it on until after. He said it protected the meat and held in moisture. He took me in the back and showed me how easy it was to remove after the cook. Been doing it that way now for over 8 years.

 

[mneeley490]

I still pull before smoking. I don't believe that the rub will penetrate the meat thru the membrane.