InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "I've grown a second evil head."

Imrahil, Lord of Belfalas and Prince of Dol Amroth (imrahil) wrote in compass_network,
@ 2013-05-23 10:35:00

Entry tags:

!open, maryanne walker (oe)

I have a suggestion. Take it as you will, of course. Rather than letting the meat go to waste, I think it would be more productive to dry it and store it that way. It will keep longer, instead of forcing yourself away from the cooling containers.

It's a natural and old method of meat preservation that consists of gradual dehydration.

And one we use a lot in Gondor, and around the other realms, as the idea of freezing anything is unheard of.

(Read comments) - (Post a new comment)

	maryanne_walker 2013-05-23 05:59 pm UTC (link)
	That's actually a really good idea. Can you describe how to do it? (Reply to this) (Thread)

imrahil
2013-05-23 06:12 pm UTC (link)

I have never dried non-fresh meat before, but I imagine the process would still be the same for your cold cuts. We'll cut the meat to thin strips, like rectangles, or flat leaf shaped pieces with cross sections. The thinner the piece the easier it is to dry, if it's too thick then the moisture cannot escape the meat and it will spoil.

After cutting them we will dip them in a salt solution; it helps to limit contamination and will protect against most insects. Then we will suspend them in the open air or spread on drying trays made of fibre or wire mesh with a wooden or metallic frame.

The sun does most of the work for us. Exposure to it will force the moisture from the meat and dry it. Then we store it in a dry place where they will not be permitted to absorb moisture.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	maryanne_walker 2013-05-24 07:52 am UTC (link)
	I'm running into the problem of finding a dry enough space to store. So far, do to the tropical nature of the island, every place I think will be alright... Seems rather wet, for the lack of a better word. This seems so ideal, because the meats will last for months, if not years, right? And it can be rehydrated for soups, right? (Reply to this) (Parent)

(Read comments) -