Hi
I liked the idea of curing my own bacon, traditional style, so I came here and ordered some saltpetre because, as I say, I want to do it traditionally.
Anyway, a package arrived Saturday morning so I purchased a small belly of pork for a trial run. On my return, I thought I would make a start, I weighed out some Malden sea salt and opened my bag of saltpetre.
Unfortunately, I hadn't been sent saltpetre. The delivery contained 4001 All Purpose Curing Salt. After lots of swearing and cursing the owners of this emporium, I put the pork back in the fridge and sulked.
A couple of days later, I thought I may as well use this stuff with all the additives etc and set to it. This 4001 stuff says to only use 1.5% (15G / KG).
My small belly was only 1.5KG, so I weighed out 27.5G of cure and mixed it with some chopped sage and thyme.
24 hours later I returned to take a look and there is no appreciable liquids in the bottom of the container.
Have I messed up by following the 15% guideline?
If I need to add more, is it too late?
I just wish they sent me what I ordered.