Brandon and Lauren discuss becoming one's own authority for curing meat by using one's own senses, the science of water and salt on meat, as well as a well developed prowess.  They discuss whole muscle curing (as opposed to fermentation and confit methods of preservation) in a way that can fit the entire narrative in one's mind for use in the domestic scale. Topics Discussed Introduction and Announcements: Taking our time with these podcast episodes (less but longer episodes) due to our desire to attend to where our conversation leads. Meatsmith Pork Shares for sale! Mangalitza (summer/fall) and Gloucester Old Spot  (winter) Shares available now for reserve.  Email harvest@farmsteadmeatsmith.com to secure a share.  See here for pricing and details on what's included: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/pork-shares/ Testimonial that blew us away: listen at minute 7:20 Fall Classes are up! Purchase now...they will go quickly this spring/summer: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/upcoming-classes/ Cochon 555 Seattle recap; 18: 30 Content: First, a reference to our new favorite cheap beer :) Breaking down meat preservation into 3 categories: Whole Muscle Curing, Fermentation & Fatting So...What is whole muscle curing? 33:00, holding preservation and flavor in balance as the way to achieve harmony...not necessarily acceptance from the dominant discourse voices. Addressing the little devil of fear on our shoulder What is botulism? 104:35 How would you cure different muscles (of different thicknesses)? 120:00 Salt Peter vs. Nitrate vs. Nitrite, 135:00 A final encouragement to go for it!...and to trust our innate spoilage detection capacity as humans. 146:00 Links for Episode 11: -Pork Shares: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/pork-shares/ -GOS Pork Share highlight films: coming soon. -Upcoming classes scheduled: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/upcoming-classes/ -Best 'cheap' beer: https://kulshanbrewing.com -Salami Biellese: http://www.salumeriabiellese.com/contact.html -Saltworks: https://www.seasalt.com  -Benton's: http://www.bentonscountryhams2.com