Snack sticks

[Charkey]

Just made my first batch of venison snack sticks. They taste fine but the casing are a bit tough to chew. I used Lems casings, which says they are edible. Any thoughts

 

[SmokinEdge]

Bag them and into the fridge a couple days, they soften right up.

 

[Charkey]

Bag them and into the fridge a couple days, they soften right up.

Thanks for the quick reply

 

[GatorAGR]

I had the same issue. Most did get better after a few days in the fridge, but I still had some that never did lose that "chewyness". Wonder if there are quality differences among collagen casings like there is among naturals??

 

[SmokinEdge]

Collagen casings are what they are. They are made partially from animal hide. Natural casings are a good option although they won’t go as small, then you can always go casingless or go cellulose and strip them but I’m not sure they go that small either.

If you stuff and rest overnight, covered in the fridge and then smoke/cook this help with hydration of collagen casings as well.

 

[chopsaw]

Wonder if there are quality differences among collagen casings like there is among naturals??

Walton has a great video on different types of collagen casings and the intended application .

 

[BGKYSmoker]

Condition your casing before you stuff.

Put your collagen in a zip bag and in the fridge for while..opened

Vac seal the ones you dont use and put in fridge. When I buy a caddy they are shipped with a frozen pack and the caddy is vac sealed.