First pork jerky attempt - Question about results

[m0rie]

I made my first attempt at smoked pork jerky following Bear's recipe with a tweak to Cure#1 and Kosher salt from TQ. Everything went well but I was in a rush this morning to get it going and packed the jerky too close on it's hanging rods. Several pieces were touching and/or folded up so they ended up with no color and a different texture compared to the others. Was not sure they they would still be usable or should be tossed. I tried a piece of the fully cooked and it is really good. I don't mind keeping the other pieces if aside from texture they are fine but would rather toss them and learn a lesson for the next batch instead of getting sick.

 

[TNJAKE]

Did you by any chance note the final IT? Still looks pretty wet. Doubt I'd toss it but maybe eat those pieces first depending on your response

 

[m0rie]

Did you by any chance note the final IT? Still looks pretty wet. Doubt I'd toss it but maybe eat those pieces first depending on your response

I didn't check IT after pulling them :/ I should have but did not think about it. I put them in the smoker this morning at 8 and pulled them at 4pm. Chamber temp between 140-150 the entire time. That had a good probe monitoring it. Should I maybe put them on a rack and toss them in the oven for an hour or so?

 

[TNJAKE]

Let's see some pics of what you consider to be good. Those white spots are likely just because they touched and didn't get direct smoke

 

[m0rie]

Let's see some pics of what you consider to be good. Those white spots are likely just because they touched and didn't get direct smoke

 

[TNJAKE]

Looks good and you used cure #1. I wouldn't worry about those white spots. It is wet so store accordingly.

 

[TNJAKE]

8hrs is a pretty short time for drying jerky. I've never done pork so can't speak too much to that. Could be drier though. We have plenty of pros here that can give further guidance but I think you are safe as long as stored properly and consumed sooner than later

 

[m0rie]

8hrs is a pretty short time for drying jerky. I've never done pork so can't speak too much to that. Could be drier though. We have plenty of pros here that can give further guidance but I think you are safe as long as stored properly and consumed sooner than later

Thank you for looking it over, definitely have a few process changes to make for next time. Always something to learn and it's always a good day when you can eat your learning experiences!

 

[TNJAKE]

Thank you for looking it over, definitely have a few process changes to make for next time. Always something to learn and it's always a good day when you can eat your learning experiences!

No problem. It's tasty looking for sure

 

[JckDanls 07]

Myself.. I would go ahead and dry them some more... the other ones do look good though...

 

[chef jimmyj]

They should be safe as is but I too would put some more smoke on the white pieces...JJ

 

[Steve H]

I'd put those pieces that were touching in the oven at 190 for a bit.
Here is what I did.
My run at pork jerky. | Smoking Meat Forums - The Best Barbecue Discussion Forum On Earth!

The pork does seem to get done a bit faster then beef.

 

[SmokinAl]

I would agree with the others, I wouldn’t throw any of it out. Since you used cure#1 it’s safe too eat. But as JJ said I would put the white pieces back in the smoker to get some smoke on them.
Al

 

[Bearcarver]

No problem, n0rie !!
It just didn't get smoke coloration where it was blocked by other pieces. It probably didn't happen to enough of it to worry about. If it did, I would advise you cold smoke some of it again, so you don't cook it any more. Cured & in 140° to 150° for 8 hours, I'm sure is safe & plenty done.
Eat Up!!

Bear

 

[Lonzinomaker]

What smoker are you using?
I have a Smokin-It electric smoker and have to use a low volume exhaust fan to get enough air movement to dry my jerky. My batches dry in about 5-7 hours.

 

[Bearcarver]

What smoker are you using?
I have a Smokin-It electric smoker and have to use a low volume exhaust fan to get enough air movement to dry my jerky. My batches dry in about 5-7 hours.

Doesn't "Smokin-it" only have that one little hole in the top for venting? Might want to get the drill out.
Just wondering.

Bear

 

[Lonzinomaker]

Bear,
Smokin-It has a 1 in vent in the top and a 3/4 in entrance/drain hole in bottom.
The sides, top and door of the smoker are double walled stainless steel with 1 in fiberglass insulation in between. Making a fitting to fit the hole would be more work than I want to do.
Some users have opened up the drain hole, but I like the low air exchange when hot smoking that keeps the meat from drying out. I only use 4-6 oz of chunk wood for pork butts, so it is a real efficient smoker for wood consumption.