Sheep casings

[wrwoelfel]

so I started making some sticks a couple weeks ago and had some extra casing I left in water in the fridge. Had the intent of using it the next day. Well its been more than a day. My question is will they still be good. How do I know if they are bad. There aren't that many left, so wouldn't be a big deal to throw them if there would be any question. Thanks in advance.

 

[pc farmer]

Only a day? In water in the fridge?

They are still good. I soak mine for 3-5 days before using them.

 

[boykjo]

Sometimes it takes a few weeks to soak casings to get them soft. Your still good to go..........

Boykjo 

 

[SmokinAl]

Holy cow guys! Thanks for the info. I only soak my casings for an hour or so with a tsp of vinegar in the water.

Al

 

[pc farmer]

Holy cow guys! Thanks for the info. I only soak my casings for an hour or so with a tsp of vinegar in the water.

Al

You will be surprised on how silky smooth they get. Very easy to handle to.

 

[pc farmer]

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/159729/how-to-handle-natural-casings

 

[SmokinAl]

Thanks for the link Adam.

Al

 

[wrwoelfel]

thanks guys. I can't believe how easy they were to use. I will definitely let them soak for a couple days next time.

 

[highlife4me]

Any suggestions on who has the best pricing on sheep casings other than buying an entire hank's worth? I'd like to use these from time to time but a hank would last me 20 years....:help:

I usually buy my sheep casings from Waltons or my local meat market. Around $40 - 50 a hank depending on size. The home packs are kinda a waste of money. They are usually lower in quality and short lengths. A hank will stuff about 100 lbs of meat, so you need to make sausage more often or split a hank with somebody if that is an option.