Meat storage question

[enjoy the ride]

You can pack a lot more into the freezer if you makes sure everything that can possible be de-boned is. Hamburger might be a good choice for density packing.
But a small auxilary freezer can be bought cheap at the moment - I think Costco had them for under $100.

 

[Wifezilla]

Where do you live? If you are near Colorado, we might be able to work something out

If not, jerky sounds like a good idea.

 

[1stepcloser]

Sorry...I am in TN.

 

[Dace]

http://www.associatedcontent.com/ar...step_instructions_for_canning_pg3.html?cat=22

I know I am mostly answering my own question and sound slightly creepy talking to myself but maybe this will help someone else eventually. LOL

I discovered I can preserve 2 lbs of beef in a quart jar. If I process 60 quarts then I will have put up 120 lbs. LOL Anyone have any extra quart jars they don't want?

Not creepy I have actually enjoyed reading your conversation with yourself.

Need my address? I'll take some of that beef off your hands!

 

[VT-Chicklit]

If you intend on purchasing a freezer for the surplus meat, check Craigs List first. I got my spare refridgerator for FREE off of Craigs List this summer and I got my medium size up-right freezer for $25 last summer from Craigs List. I do not regret getting either. The way I figure it, I have very little invested in both so by now they are are operating for me for FREE! If they conk out, I will check Craigs List again for another FREE/CHEAP one! I do make sure that they are working by checking the thermometer in each regularly.

 

[justusnak]

Definately check your local Craigslist. Or...even freecycle! As for canning...Ohhh, you cant beat the ease and convienience of canned meats. Also....in a power outtage, you wont lose the canned meats. I am planning to cann about 6 chickens this weekend....and when we get our hog processed...about half of a 300 pound ( live weight) hog, will be canned. Sausage, pork chops, pork chunks(for BBQpulled pork sandwiches) Yup, I will be canning untill the cows come home! Dont forget....dehydrate some for that quick snack too!

 

[Farmfresh]

Another thing to remember is that some cuts of meat take up more space. Spare ribs for example. Less meat to the space they consume in the freezer, so we eat them right off of the bat.

I would go with the extra freezer. With this lifestyle you can always fill it up and if it is empty you could prop the door open (Chain it back if you have small children for safety sake.) and unplug it. We once bought a cheap freezer from a Rent-A store that was a rental return.

Lately we go with the "no payments no interest for a year" deals offered a Home Depot. (just be sure it gets paid off BEFORE the year is up). I bought myself TWO new energy star chest freezers and my daughter one as well, over a few years time, using these deals.

 

[1stepcloser]

We ended up 485 lbs. which is slightly less than we projected. Somehow we managed to fit it ALL into our freezers!! Yay!! No marathon canning session tomorrow!!!

 

[enjoy the ride]

So when's the barbeque?

Contrats on the successful freezer stuffing!

 

[SKR8PN]

So when's the barbeque?

Ya...when do you want me to fire up the smoker?

MMMMmmmmMMM Brisket!