How to Cure Bacon

[@maplewoodhomestead2017]

We are raising pigs for the first time. So excited watching these videos. Thank you!

[@barbararickman8543]

I have learned more about how to cure, kill, and prepare fresh meat for storage than anyplace I have ever been on the net. I have subscribed and, when I have the funds, will get a membership.

[@TheFarmsteadMeatsmith]

Thanks Barbara, we appreciate that.

[@joealta3450]

I was waiting and waiting and then, I finally heard it; "apply salt to FRESH meat". Thank you for this!

[@randywestcott6062]

Great Video! I like how you not only tell how to cure the meat but why you do it that way.

[@TheFarmsteadMeatsmith]

Thanks Randy, the why is the most important part. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@LadyMcGinnis]

Found your channel a bit back however I don't watch much KZbin or even TV for that matter. However I truly enjoyed this video. Very informative. I currently do not have pigs(or any other meat animals for that matter) but I wasn't sure if I would be able to butcher my own food even though I understand and want the health benefits of raising my own meat. This is encouraging

[@candacewilliams6869]

Love this explanation. Also thinking back in the old country in generations past the homes had a central fire with a hole in the roof not a chimney, originally. That could mean that meat was smoked in the home when hung up near the ceiling.

[@kmhtaylor]

Yes. I admit, I would over-salt my bacon, then have to soak the saltiness away. I and my 8 year old enjoyed this conversation very much!

[@maplewoodhomestead2017]

How do you know if you don't put enough salt on? Are there signs?

[@elainetcherneshoff7648]

Can we use store bought belly or is it unsafe if we can’t get farm raised?

[@Veveve743]

Do we add a little more salt each day after we drain off the meat juice?

[@Bucky1836]

I touch up "dry" spots

[@tradcathomestead8179]

More Great knowledge shared...thanks guys!!!

[@TheFarmsteadMeatsmith]

So glad you enjoyed it, David. Thanks

[@Bamapride1000]

You can feed a pig coal to worm em. We put coal rocks in with all our pigs as we raise em, not a lot but a couple until about 45 days before harvest

[@sawyersplace4425]

You mention soy in the feed. What do you recommend for feeding a pig?

[@TheFarmsteadMeatsmith]

Good question. I'll pass it on to Brandon & Lauren.

[@brandonsheard1676]

Field peas are a good substitute for the primary source of protein in a big ration. Soy is more common and will make healthy pigs but it is baked and so the oils are rancid and lead to bitterness. Field peas are better.

[@sawyersplace4425]

Field peas alone or what else? I have raised a few pigs for myself, and I typically just buy a commercial pig feed. I want to get away from that and go more natural feed. Scared of what all might be hidden in the commercial feed. Had several old timers recommend cracked corn and soybean meal mix, but I have watched you and couple others bout pigs. And too me it sounds like the corn and soybean meal mixture is better left alone.

[@TheFarmsteadMeatsmith]

@@sawyersplace4425 Soy and corn plus a vitamin/mineral mix is a complete ration, rounding out the protein, carbs and essential vitamins. If you can source organic, it is better and locally grown is probably best because it is likely to be fresh. But peas are a better protein than soy. Like soy, peas need to be balanced with a carb and non-gmo corn is a good option. Usually, pea based hog mash has barley, wheat, some oats and corn for the carb, plus the vitamin/mineral mix.

[@mfr336]

My bacon has black mold. Is it ruined?

[@oldgoat71]

They are not fed antibiotics as a ration.

[@ccsniper]

I didnt even know bacon was sick.