Homemade Sausage Making

Made pepperoni a few weeks ago (Pepperoni, Powder Keg, Semi-Dry-Cured Quick, (Bactoferm™ FLC) In the refrigerator for all this time and in a paper bag. Went to cut off a hunk today and discovered this. About 10 days ago decided to wipe down pepperoni with some vinegar, just a touch of mold (barely noticeable same as above picture). Need some advice fellas. Much appreciated, Fred

Hmmm, seems like the kind of thing I'd have to have sampled by my official taste-tester. RAY

I wouldn't hesitate...it looks fine.

The casing will peel off if you don't want to eat the mold.

If you can vac seal...no O2 no mold...store in the fridge for months.

Fred, that is Penicillium nalgiovense. It is exactly what you want and the color is perfect. Its presence is inhibiting the growth of the aflatoxins of toxogenic molds such as patulin, sterigmatocystin and verrucosidin. When you see any discoloration of mold, (green or black especially), wash down the sausage and spray it with a little "600". The coverage in the photo is just beginning. To eat the sausage, simply wipe off the mold.
These sausages look great Fred. Congrats pal. Sure beats the stuff in the grocery store eh?

Best Wishes,
Chuckwagon

Thank You My Friends, Much appreciated. So Much help is so much appreciated. Fred

Hey Fred (Krakowska),
How about making some genuine Krakowska? I'd like to put an authentic recipe (containing a touch of nutmeg and pepper) in our new Project KB in the beginners section. We'd be making the "cured-cooked-smoked" Polish recipe from Seminole. We'd love to have you on the project.

Oh yes, Fred... everyone wants you to cut into that pepperoni and send along a photo! Hey... this stuff is in your blood now. Don't you wish you would have started this hobby in your twenties?

Best Wishes,
Chuckwagon

A lot leaner than it should be I guess BUT it was OK with Us. I got to admit it does have some "Smack" when you put it in your mouth. Had about 10 people over and had some extra old cheddar and this peperoni, everyone enjoyed it. Had the homemade pizza and again it was a hit. You really can get into some interesting conversations and people are intrigued in this hobby. Kind of cool since nobody knows anything about it and they listen, unlike politics, in which everyone "Knows it all" LOL
Thanks Again everyone, Fred

Fred, that is incredible! Beautiful photos. I suppose lots of folks would expect the color to be a lot darker like the stuff you buy in the market. If you want the pepperoni darker, just add real Hungarian paprika to the mixture next time. Don't use Spanish paprika - it's too bitter. Use the real Hungarian (sweet) paprika. The stuff is magic and will really make your pepperoni look much more "red", if that is what you desire. Some folks are even smoking the stuff these days although it is not a traditionally smoked sausage. The mahogany color just out of the smoker is quite attractive.
Funny, but I prefer much more coarse black pepper than the recipe calls for. Just my personal taste. Other folks say it's too hot, but I just like the flavor of black pepper. To each his own I suppose. It's a good thing we are not all alike eh? At any rate, you've done a first-class job on your project! Congratulations pal.

Best Wishes,
Chuckwagon