Purge during curing

[Steve W (Weave)]

So I've read some threads and understand that purge is normal during the cure process...i cured 2 bellies last weekend for smoking tomorrow. Upon removing from cure an hour ago I noticed that one belly has a decent amount of purge while the other didn't....should I be alarmed? I am worried that I may not have salted them enough.
Have you guys seen this before? Right now they are on racks in the fridge and forming a really nice pellicle!

 

[Dave from Denver]

water content differs from meat to meat. I often find that despite purging fluids my whole muscle cures gain a few grams during the cure process from the salt and spices I apply to it. It's also possible that some of the liquid purged from your bellies was reabsorbed at some point in the last week.

So long as you measured your salt and curing salt appropriately you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Steve W (Weave)]

Thanks for quick reply...I suspected so.
They are getting nice and tacky sitting in the fridge....can't wait until smoking tomorrow!