Spanish Fuet

Method

1. If you are using a mould culture prepare at least 2-3 hours before you need it. 
2. Prepare the casing by soaking in luke warm water and prepare the starter culture as it needs to rehydrate for a least 30 minutes
3. Clean your meat of any sinew or silverskin and cut the meat and fat into small chunks (small enough to fit into your grinder)
4. Chill your meat/fat to 0 degrees C.
5. Grind chilled meat and fat through a medium plate (6mm). Rechill after grinding.
6. Add all of the spices, cure, dextrose, wine, garlic, and starter culture to your chilled mince and begin mixing. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. It should feel tacky and stick to your hand if you turn your hand upside down, when finished.
7. Stuff the mince into your casings, prick with a sausage pricker, and if you plan on using mold this would be a good time to brush it on. Also weigh your salami and record the weight.
8. Ferment your salami by placing them in an environment that between 24c and 29c with high humidity for 18-24 hours. You can achieve high humidity by wrapping you salami in cling film. This locks in the moisture. A good place to ferment is in your oven with the light on but the oven off. The goal of fermentation is to reach a pH between 5.2 and 4.9.
9. Once you have reached the target pH you can transfer your salami to the drying chamber.
10. The drying conditions should be set to 13c and 80% humidity. Leave it in here till you lose 30% – 40% moisture loss. The more moisture that is lost the harder your salami will be. I personally like 35% weight loss for this salami.
11. After the salami has finished drying slice thinly and enjoy.