Dry-cure
Preservation
Slow transforms that cure and keep. Tends toward chewy and silky textures.
01At a glance
CategoryPreservation
Taste impactNeutral
TextureChewy, Silky
02How to do it
- 1Rub the food all over with the measured salt-and-spice cure.
- 2Bury or wrap it and refrigerate, draining the liquid that's drawn out.
- 3Re-apply cure if needed over the days.
- 4Rinse, then hang or rest to dry and develop.
03Doneness & pitfalls
Doneness cues
- The exterior is firm and dry to the touch and the weight has dropped.
Common mistakes
- Trapped moisture (poor drainage) spoils the cure.
- Too little salt for the weight is unsafe.
- Drying too fast case-hardens the surface.
04Texture outcomes
Chewy9.0
Silky7.2