Drying fatty meat in food dehydrator - is it okay for short time consumption?
Well, I bought a food dehydrator. Every site told me to dry only lean meat, and so I did until now. However I was thinking of drying some ham in larger chunks to hopefully get sort of prosciutto substitute. I know that the fat can go rancid which is why I intend to eat it within a month and store it in a fridge and I know it won't taste as good as the original. Do you think it's safe?
Best Answer
Yes. It may be fine for immediate consumption.
The problem is the air flow from the drying itself can also accelerate the oxidation of the fat.
When I have dried fatty meat the fat already tasted a bit off.
This is a matter of quality, not safety. If the fat isn't objectionable to you after drying then it is fine. As you said, you should expect the fat to go off and eat it soon.
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Can you dehydrate fatty meat?
Fat does not dehydrate or preserve well so lean meats should be used and all excess fat should be removed.How long should I dehydrate my meat?
Place strips on your dehydrator drying racks with plenty of spaces in between for easy air flow. Dry for 3 hours at 165 degrees allowing the internal temperature to reach 160 degrees and then turn down to 145F. Check the meat after 4 hours and keep drying until the jerky bends and cracks, but does not break in half.Can you dehydrate beef fat?
Yes. It may be fine for immediate consumption. The problem is the air flow from the drying itself can also accelerate the oxidation of the fat. When I have dried fatty meat the fat already tasted a bit off.What happens to fat in a dehydrator?
Fat & Oil - not only can fat and oil inhibit efficient drying, they also create a problem with rancidity on the shelf, especially after they've been heated. No safe testing available - some items have had no testing to prove the safe dehydrating and/or storage of the foods.7 BEGINNER TIPS FOR FOOD DEHYDRATING | What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Dehydrating
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