Ok, I understand while preparing Salmon to hot smoke, I need to let the pellicles form, which is a tacky sticky outer layer on the fish. Once it is formed is then ready to smoke or does it need to dry first?

Thanks,
Amy

The pellicle actually is the drying process, but it won't really be "dry". Once it forms, the tacky/outer layer is telling you it's ready to smoke.

quote:

Originally posted by SmokinOkie:
The pellicle actually is the drying process, but it won't really be "dry". Once it forms, the tacky/outer layer is telling you it's ready to smoke.

First time I've heard that. By definition it's a thin layer.

Thank you SmokinOkie. I was just curious, I keep reading about all the time it takes to achieve this state that I just know what I was doing was wrong. Then one time I tried, I put fish under a fan and within 10 mins. or so it was real tacky.

Thanks again,
Amy

10 min is kinda quick, but depends on the fan, on the fish, on lots of atmospheric and scientific conditions (I have to say that so cryonyism won't pick on me)

Try it and see. If it works like you want, then 10 min was enough. If it doesn't, then next time let it go a little longer.

quote:

Originally posted by cronyism sucks:

quote:

Originally posted by SmokinOkie:
The pellicle actually is the drying process, but it won't really be "dry". Once it forms, the tacky/outer layer is telling you it's ready to smoke.

First time I've heard that. By definition it's a thin layer.

Hi Lantern, how you been?

What's confusing? Take it in the context of the original question. Just trying to give a quick answer to a quick question, didn't want to go into one of the long lengthy answers since I was doing this on my coffee break.

The pellicle "technically" begins the drying process, would that help? It is the drying process of the outer thin layer. It forms a thin "dry" layer (which some call tacky) that will protect the meat and help retain the moisture of the fish. Leave a fan on long enough and the fish will dry out.

LOL! Sorry about the tone. I reread it afterward and thought about changing it.

Again, sorry I came off like a anal d-bag.