For the first day or two, the fire should be slow, in order that the warming of the meat may be gradual. In clear, dry weather, smoking may continue from the day the smoking begins until it is completed, which should be in one to three weeks, the length of time depending on the size of the pieces of meat and on the weather. When sufficiently smoked, the meat will have a characteristic straw color. Meat should never be smoked on a damp day, because in a damp atmosphere moisture will condense on the meat, and moist meat will not smoke well. Light smoking for two weeks is better than heavy smoking for one week. With a longer period of smoking the smoke will enter the meat more thoroughly.
§ 60. Keeping Smoked Meats
During cool weather smoked meats may be left in the smokehouse for some time after the smoking process is completed. The house should be kept dark in order to keep out flies, and it should be well ventilated so as to prevent dampness. A dry, cool cellar, with free circulation of fresh air, will be a satisfactory place for keeping smoked meats.
If the smoked meat is to be kept only a short time, it needs only to be hung up without covering. For longer keeping, it is well to wrap first in paper, and then in burlap, canvass or muslin, and bury the meat in a grain bin or box of sand. The object of this is to provide a condition which will be uniform in temperature and keep out insects.
A coat of ground pepper, rubbed into the meat before wrapping, will be distasteful to insects.
After smoked meat has become thoroughly dry, it may be wrapped in parchment paper and enclosed in a heavy muslin or canvass, which should be covered with yellow wash or ordinary lime white wash with glue added.
§ 61. Recipe for Yellow Wash
For one hundred pounds hams or bacon, take: three pounds barytes (barium sulphate), .06 pound glue, .80 pound chrome yellow (lead chromate), .40 pound flour, and twelve pounds water.
Put the flour in the water, dissolving all lumps thoroughly. Dissolve the chrome in a quart of water in a separate vessel, and add the solution and the glue to the flour and water. Bring the whole to a boil, and add the barytes slowly, stirring constantly. Make the wash the day before it is required. Stir it frequently when using, and apply with a brush.