Best way to defrost pork

[nakom]

I have 2 skinned hog legs, i need to defrost to make hams.  They are near 40lbs each.  What is the best/safest way to do this?

Thanks

Nick

 

[bigfish98]

In the fridge.

 

[diggingdogfarm]

Defrosting in the fridge is the only recommended safe way, unless you're going to cook the meat right after defrosting.


~Martin

 

[nakom]

Thanks that is what i was thinking but it will take a week to defrost them, i am guessing.

 

[roller]

Yep in the frig....

 

[rdknb]

Agreed Frig...

 

[jarjarchef]

Unfortunately the fridge is the best practice.

There a couple other ways, but only safe for smaller pieces of product.

 

[dad of four]

I like to keep my fridge cold at 33-34 degrees, if yours is extra cold, it will take extra long to defrost

 

[pit 4 brains]

Thanks that is what i was thinking but it will take a week to defrost them, i am guessing.

To the bone, I'll bet more than a week if I compare it to a gallon of frozen milk. 

Are these hind legs? I assume they are since you want to make hams. 

Now that you have my attention, how do you plan on making hams out of these? This is one curing process I haven't considered doing because of my location and lack of a controlled environment..

 

[venture]

I won't say I don't cheat on really small cuts carefully watched.

For something like that, I would definitely do the fridge.

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[nakom]

yes these are hind legs, I raised a couple hogs and I did not have room to do all 4 at once because of the size.  I used http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/89979/from-hog-leg-to-easter-ham  Pops6927 method and they turned out great.  The first 2 I did had never been frozen but I didnt have a choice at the time.

Nick

 

[smokinhusker]

You got the answer! Let us know how the ham making goes.