Modern conveniences have made most of us accustomed to one primary method of long-term meat preservation. Without a doubt the freezer has become an essential tool on every homestead, but what happens if you run out of space or have limited access to electricity? Fear not my friends.
In this podcast episode, I’m joined by my friend Derek Smiley, a veritable expert in all things regarding meat preservation. In this episode, we cover dehydration, smoking, canning, freezing, freeze drying, salt curing, and more.
Derek discusses the pro’s and con’s of all of these preservation methods, the best uses for each technique, and some of his favorite equipment. With over 25 years of experience in this field, Derek is sure to have valuable information for you, whether you’re a complete novice to a seasoned homesteader.
Podcast Episode Highlights
- Common ways to preserve meat today
- Why it’s a good idea to preserve meat in a variety of ways
- How to use a freeze dryer for preserving meat
- Best tips for dehydrating meat
- Best salts for preserving meat
- Dehydrator vs. freeze dryer for preserving meat
- Dry curing meats: tips & types of meat
- Wet curing meats: tips & types of meat
- Best tips for smoking meat
- Tips for dealing with a butcher and finding uncured meats
- Nitrates: Are they necessary for bacon and preserving meats?
- Botulism: why it’s important to follow the rules for proper preservation
Podcast Feedback
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Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned
This episode is brought to you by Redmond’s Real Salt, which is the #1 salt I use in all my homesteading cooking, canning, and fermentation. I have learned over the years that not all salt is created equal and having the good stuff really does make a difference in your culinary adventures.
Redmond’s is the only salt mined in the good ol’ US of A. I love that it’s mined using sustainable practices AND contains 60+ trace minerals that not only make it incredibly good for you, but it tastes better too. Since I can’t grow salt myself (obviously) Right now, Redmond’s is offering 15% off your entire order just for my podcast listeners. Head over to theprairiehomestead.com/SALT and use the code HOMESTEAD to snag your discount.
Do you need some guidance on your food preservation journey? Email Derek directly at thesmileyfarm@gmail.com or connect with him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesmileyfarm
- Design your dream homestead with my FREE handbook— grab it here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/layout
- Head to http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/grow to get complimentary access to my best homestead resources.
More Preservation Tips:
- My Favorite Ways to Preserve the Harvest
- Podcast episode: How to Preserve Food the Colonial Way with Jonathan Townsend
- Best Resources for Safe Canning
- My course Learn How to Can will help beginners gain confidence in using water-bath canners and pressure canners
- My Heritage Cooking Crash Course will show you how to make heritage foods, including making sausage, cheese, bread, & more.
