loose casings

[mjlsmokeman]

Not sure why but when I make deer sticks using hi mountain kits my casings are loose. I have cooked them in the oven at 200 until 155 internal temp and I have also hanged them in my smoker and smoked them at 225 until 155 internal. Any suggestion on has to fix the loose casings?

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Your loosing the integrity of the casings by starting at those temps and you need some moisture. If your smoker can go low start like the temps listed below.

IE

130

140

150

160

170

This may help some

Collagen Casings

Problem: Product falling in smokehouse

Possible Cause:High humidity in first cycle

Solutions:
Collagen must be dried in the first cycle to toughen the casings before finish cooking.

Problem: Finished product wrinkling

Possible Cause:
1.)Product too dry
2.)Improper cooling
3.)Under stuffing

Solutions:
1.)Maintain humidity level of at least 50% in cook cycle.
2.)Upon reaching required internal temperature, product should be showered then removed to room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes and then cooled.
3.)Product should be stuffed to recommended diameter.

Problem: Casing dry and breaking

Possible Cause: Dehydrated casing

Solutions:
Collagen needs to be stored in a cool place. If casings get dry, open caddy and store in the coolers overnight. This will add moisture back into the casings.

Problem: Product not coloring

Possible Cause: Over drying of product before smoke is started.

Solution:
Casings should only be dried until tacky to the touch before smoke is started.

Problem: Product streaking

Possible Cause: Under drying of product before smoke is started

Solution:
Product not being dried properly will cause drops of water to run down product causing streaking.

Problem: Casing Tough

Possible Cause: Too little humidity in last cycle

Solution:
After casing is dried in the first cycle, product should next be smoked to desired color. High humidity of at least 50% should be used in the cooking cycle.

Problem: Casing small in size

Possible Cause: Dehydrated casing

Solution:
1.)Check flat width against allowable flat width in the size being used.
2.)Casing may have dried, open caddy and store in cooler at least 24 hours.

 

[mjlsmokeman]

Should I start it with no smoke and then increase the temps and smoke. What times do you suggest at those temps?

 

[daveomak]

mjl, morning and welcome to the forum..... Starting at around 120, without smoke, and good air flow will dry the outer surface for good smoke penetration.... add the smoke for a few hours and keep the smoker at 160... I have my collagen stick casings in the smoker at 160 for 24 hours... no water pan...  

in the smoker for 24 hours at 120-160

In the smoker and G Daughter.jpg

• daveomak
• Dec 31, 2012

Ready to eat..... 

String Knots on casings.jpg

• daveomak
• Dec 31, 2012

No cooling in water or ice after they come out of the smoke....  I let the casings shrink and shrivel up like in the picture... learned how to make sticks from nepas... When nepas speaks, I listen.... 

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[boykjo]

Dave and Rick got ya covered.............