How can I control humidity levels when curing salami?
I have a problem with a fridge I am converting to a curer, namely high humidity. I have read a similar question on this forum, however my problem is slightly more complicated. I will start off by saying I live in the UK, where humidity is on the whole higher than in the States.
I am successfully controlling my temperature by turning the fridge on and off via a temperature controller, but the humidity is driving me mad.I cannot seem to get it lower than 85-80%, even with a humidity controller turning a light on to raise the temperature, so the compressor runs more frequently. This does lower the humidity, but as soon as the compressor turns off, the humidity is straight back up to 85%, and this is with no food in it.
I'm guessing that as a salami dries it will release moisture it loses into the atmosphere of the fridge, increasing the humidity. If I open my door the humidity immediately rises to 100% every time without fail, so I figure putting any sort of vent in the side will be counter productive. Ive got a 3kg tray of salt in the bottom which I swap daily and dry the removed tray in the oven. I'd really appreciate any help on this.
Best Answer
Instead of salt, you could get silica gel. These crystals can be found by the bucket, not just in tiny packets. They also make a variety with an indicator that turns pink when they need to be changed. Bake to refresh them.
Silica gel is amazing stuff. There is no way you'll not be able to keep the air dry with a mass of absorber tye same scale as the salami. It's just a matter of how often you'll need to change it.
Pictures about "How can I control humidity levels when curing salami?"
How do I lower the humidity in my curing chamber?
After the first few weeks, I normally play with my controller to drop the humidity down to 70-75. I run the temperature at 54 degrees. By lowering your temp slightly, the refrigerator may run a little longer and keep the humidity slightly lower if you choose.How do you control humidity levels?
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The best temperature for maturing salami is anywhere between 6 and 16 degrees Celsius, with a humidity of anywhere between 70 to 85 percent. This is why winter is perfect.How do you keep the humidity constant?
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