The test

[crockadale]

This weekend I did a little experiment with 3 yard birds. I brined one overnight, one for 3 hours and the third no brine. I wanted to satisfy my curiosity as to how mush difference brining made to the outcome of the birds. All three birds weighed the same give or take an ounce. I used Lemon Pepper to season all the birds. They were smoked with apple wood to 170 deg. interestingly the brined one came off the smoke about 15 to 20 minutes after the others. They all were really good but overall the one brined all night was more tender and juicy.

The Brine:

Approximately I gal. Water
¼ Cup Salt
Old Bay
Garlic Powder
Onion powder
Coriander
Seasoned Salt

Other than the salt spices were added to taste.

Brined overnight


Seasoned with Lemon Peper


In the smoke


One on left no Brine and one on right 3 hour brine


The one brined overnight

 

[richoso1]

Both good looking birds. Just goes to show ya... if ya brine there's no whine.

 

[richtee]

Very nice, and a sound scientific method to boot! Points!
You brine was a little on the weak side, probably fortunately for the 24 hour bird. Typical is 1 cup KOSHER/gallon water. Probably why the short brined bird got no mention. Unless curing, I never brine more than 6 hours.

 

[cowgirl]

Crockadale, they look great!

 

[crockadale]

Rich, I also used almost 1/4 cup of seasoned salt to kick up the brine. I know I said I used the rest of the spices to taste. I'm not real big on salt.

 

[bustedluckbarbq]

good lookin birds !!!! when i plan ahead they usually go overnight... when i dont they brine for a few hours...

 

[richtee]

Ahhh.. good ya took that into account. Good job!

 

[flash]

Kinda my situation too. But good expierment. I guess if you have the time, you might as well brine.

 

[majorlee69]

Great looking birds, I too brined my birds on my first try. I couldn't be happier. You can see them on the previuos thread. Our birds look alot alike. Good job!!!!

 

[cman95]

Good looking yard birds ya got there.

 

[kookie]

Goodlooking birds and thanks for sharing your results with us............

 

[welder]

Man they look great the skin looks crispy what temp was your smoker