Storing between events

[pvt_jb]

What is the best way to store slab bacon between events and how long will it last? I ordered some slab bacon last year from scotts hams. I put it in the fridge but in a month when I went to go use it it was no good. It had molded and severely dried out. I really don't want to waste the money again.

Also, will essence of coffee last indefinitely if stored sealed in the fridge? I plan on making and using this for the first time this year.

Thanks

[Western Blue Belly]

It should be treated like any other fresh meat. Most slab bacon is not salt cured, and therefore will not last long on its own. Cut the slab into smaller pieces and freeze.

[hanktrent]

We stored some slab bacon from Scott Hams one traditional way a few years ago, wrapped in paper and buried in ashes in a barrel, at room temperature. It kept from one fall through the next September, as it was supposed to, and though it was a little drier toward the end, it was still good with a bit more boiling.

However, the next year, we did the same thing, and it molded severely in a few weeks (not the surface mold, but clear through). That time, it seemed moister when we put it away, and I'm wondering if it should have been hung longer to dry before packing it away.

Since then, we haven't needed that much bacon, so I haven't kept it that long again, and didn't get a chance to see if the next batch was as moist or whether hanging longer would help it. I've also not run into the problem of it both drying out and molding--seemed to be either/or. Though it never dried out to the point it was inedible.

If it was cut small, that may have hastened the drying out. We generally kept the 12-14 pound pieces uncut as long as necessary, and stored no less than 6-7 pounds all in one piece, so there was less surface area exposed.

We asked Scott Hams before purchasing if their bacon was cured so it could be kept at room temperature, and they said yes. Though of course you still need to keep insects away from it, and the simplest way to keep insects out of it in a modern household for long-term storage may be to put it in the refrigerator.

Scott Hams was very helpful when we talked to them, and it might be worth asking them what a common cause for your problem may be. The mold issue might be prevented by hanging it in a dry place for a while before putting it where air can't circulate.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net