Expert: Keith Patton - 6/28/2008

Question
Keith,

A friend of my has asked me to smoke him a ham from a hog he has killed. I didn't think to ask if it was cured yet or not. Now if it is not would it be like me smoking a roast for him. How long would curing it take me. He will be bringing it Monday and would like it ready Thursday. Would you have any suggestions? Thanks

Kevin
Oklahoma

Answer
Kevin:

If it isn't cured yet, I don't think it will be done by Thursday.
I dry cure mine so it takes longer than curing in a brine.  If you can get it into a strong brine solution today, then it might be done by Wed which would let you smoke it overnight which would not permiate the whole ham.
Does he understand that the ham will not yet be edible after smoking?
Make him understand the risk of trichinosis in wild hog.  If all he wants is it smoked, then smoke it and tell him it isn't cured nor is it edible and will still have to be cooked.

Keith