Berkshire Culatello 2022 First Winter Fog

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indaswamp

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Both Culatello have lost between 21-21.5% weigh as of today.
IMG_20221215_095744.jpg

The first mold fermentation period is complete and now the first winter fog starts.. Lower the chamber temp. to 38-44*F; 80-85%RH for 4 months.
 
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Rafter H BBQ

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Keith my friend, that is beyond phenomenal!

Here I am thinking that making a few batches of elk jerky on my week off is an accomplishment! 😂

Damn brother, you got it going on!

Well done and so awesome!
 

indaswamp

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Another great read:

https://www.mykindofitaly.com/post/busseto-emilia-the-land-of-culatello-and-verdi

But I found one grammatical error...it should read 6 DAYS not 6 MONTHS before placing it in the pig bladder...
When a culatello arrives at the Minozzi Salumificio in Busseto, Alberto first debones it and then massages salt, pepper, wine and garlic into the meat, after which it is put into cold storage for a period of 6 months to allow the liquid to drain off and for the culatello to dry.
 

indaswamp

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Drying update....

Down to 26% weight loss as of last night. will be between 30-35% by June when summer secondary fermentation begins. Taking shape nicely!
IMG_20230201_122344.jpg

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The microflora on the surface of Culatelli has changed... more beneficial yeast has a foothold mainly on the areas where the casing is covering meat instead of fat. The ammonia smell in my chamber has faded, but still noticeable on each piece.

The yeast growth is likely due to the cover blankets made from salami casing that was innoculated with a culture containing D. Hansenii yeast.
 

indaswamp

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*if you noticed watching the Spigaroli videos, his culatelli have the same brownish splotches. The surface is not all white....
 

mneeley490

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Absolutely amazing! I thought I was doing something special when I made a 16-month prosciutto a few years ago. That was nothing compared to the complexity of this! Looking forward to seeing the final product.
 

indaswamp

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Absolutely amazing! I thought I was doing something special when I made a 16-month prosciutto a few years ago. That was nothing compared to the complexity of this! Looking forward to seeing the final product.
Don't sell yourself short mneeley, a bone in proscuitto is hard to pull off correctly.....have to get the salting correct or you will get bone sour. Boneless is a little easier as far as drying goes. But you are correct, there is more to making a culatello to maximize the flavor profile utilizing the mold and fog.
 

indaswamp

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Both Culatelli have lost 30% weight as of tonight. Weight loss is slowing down so this is good. Very balanced and slow moisture removal. One more month of winter fog then will start stepping up the temp. to summer phase by middle of June.
 
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