old family curing recipe

[jeromekp]

Hey guys!!

My grandfather had a rather strange cure for corned beef. He used to brine the meat but instead of using saltpetre directly he used to powder it , mix it with sugar and set the mixture on fire. he then used to pour water into the charred mixture and strain it , adding the filtrate to the brine.

Sadly he passed away last October and i was thinking of using this recipe, but im not totally sure about this cure... I was hoping someone out here had heard of a similar cure and could explain to me how it works ...

Thanks and cheers!!

 

[okiedave]

Saltpeter and sugar?  Sounds a lot like rocket candy, and an excellent way to light the house on fire!

 

[daveomak]

Considering the food borne pathogens that can infect meat and subsequently it's consumer, I would stick with USDA/FDA methods....