Frozen Hog Casings

[backyard bbq]

Hey everyone!

I picked up ALOT of hot casings about a year ago and they been frozen solid in the freezer ever since.  I was just curious on your thoughts of should I toss these out or are they still ok?  I have read that they lose their strength and can tear.  Thinking of tossing them but figured I'd ask those who have maybe been down that road before. 

PS

I picked up new ones just in case

Thanks!

 

[rgautheir20420]

 
Hey everyone!

I picked up ALOT of hot casings about a year ago and they been frozen solid in the freezer ever since.  I was just curious on your thoughts of should I toss these out or are they still ok?  I have read that they lose their strength and can tear.  Thinking of tossing them but figured I'd ask those who have maybe been down that road before. 

PS

I picked up new ones just in case

Thanks!

I've never frozen casings before but I can't imagine that it being good for them. Seeing as they are a natural products, I'd think the freezing process would weaken the casings and have a negative effect when stuffed. 

Wait and see what others say though, but that's just my "thoughts". 

 

[backyard bbq]

Thanks for the reply.  I know that's what I thought too but then the butcher that I had purchased them from told me to freeze them so I just did.  Figured he would know I guess.  It goes against pretty much everything I read on here (and other places) which is to store them in the fridge with a little salt and optional dash of vinegar.

 

[tropics]

I always pack my casings in salt refrigerate they  stay quite well. Freezing may cause freezer burn.

 

[backyard bbq]

what is the lifespan of keeping them in the fridge? thx

 

[daveomak]

Thanks for the reply.  I know that's what I thought too but then the butcher that I had purchased them from told me to freeze them so I just did.  Figured he would know I guess.  It goes against pretty much everything I read on here (and other places) which is to store them in the fridge with a little salt and optional dash of vinegar.

In storage, I would skip the vinegar... the acid could eat up the casings... I totally cover my casings in pickling salt... toss them so it's everywhere... and refer in a styro cup and lid... little or no water.... been there for years... and still are fine....
Some casings come in liquid.... mine didn't so that's why I store them "dry" in salt...

 

[voodoochile]

I have stored casings in salt for 3+ years with no problems

 

[backyard bbq]

how to you determine how much salt?

 

[backyard bbq]

and does it matter what kind of salt?

 

[boykjo]

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/159729/how-to-handle-natural-casings

 

[tropics]

I put as much as I can to keep the salt just barely damp. When you want to use them take the amount you need out, the night before and soak in the fridge

 

[tropics]

Any non iodized will work Pickling salt is the purest.