Looking for opinions on Jowl w/Tenderqucik

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northmichmorels

Newbie
Original poster
Apr 28, 2009
7
10
Traverse City, MI
It's been a while since I've posted... But, I have a question I want opinions on.

I have 12 lbs of Jowl.  I've been gone and it came in a few days ago and I want to get it cured tomorrow.  I only have Tenderquick available now.

My initial thoughts are to use this cure, cold smoke for a day and a half or so, then let it do a pseudo cure in the fridge for a few weeks or so as I currently have no chamber to cure at 55 for a month.

With that being said, I don't like the idea of using the tenderquick for such a short cure as it will most certainly not all break down to nitric oxide within the week or so of cure/smoke, plus a few weeks in the fridge due to low temps.  I've read some blogs where guys do this pseudo cure in the fridge covered with something and if it gets dry put it in a bag with a damp paper towel.

So.. how many of you use tenderquick in short cures without regard to later cooking the bacon..  Also, do any of you use tenderquick and then finish off the cold smoked bacon with hot smoke to bring it to 150-160 a la sausage maker's Christmas bacon recipe.

Basically, I want to get this cured tomorrow and I worry about using a cure with nitrates for a fast cure that will later be cooked over 266, based on what I know from Marianski's writings.
 
I can't recommend a short cure.....   The inside part of the meat will not be cured and susceptible to the formation of botulism when smoked at low temps and not fully cooked....   When curing with TQ or Cure#1or #2, the recipes must be followed to insure a "safe to eat" product.... 

You were noting....  My initial thoughts are to use this cure, cold smoke for a day and a half or so, then let it do a pseudo cure in the fridge for a few weeks or so as I currently have no chamber to cure at 55 for a month.

You obviously know TQ is a long term cure at non refrigerated temperatures....   Sooooooo, why are you attempting to do something that is not recommended for a proper cure....   Why not freeze the jowls and get some cure #1......   

Or, since you are in Michigan, use TQ and store the jowls in the garage for a month or two to cure properly, depending on your temps.....

Dave
 
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