SALT CURE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill a quart jar with rock salt. You can purchase this salt at any grocery store. It may be labeled “ice cream salt” like is used in an old-fashioned ice cream maker. The picture left is one brand of rock salt available at most grocery stores in the US. It’s important to use a quart jar or larger.

2. Use 6 coins, placed into the salt in a circle around the top of the jar. Traditionally, these coins are Chinese I-Ching coins, but my research says any metal coin-shaped object will do. I use pennies. You can certainly purchase I-Ching coins, but you will be disposing of the entire salt cure every year, so a less expensive coin is probably better. You can even use a flat metal washer if you need to. But be sure to use 6 in each jar.

3. Fill the jar with water. You may cover the top with a paper towel, cheesecloth or even a piece of fabric. Secure with a rubber band. Check the jar periodically during the year to make sure it has water. Refill if needed. It’s not essential you cover it at all. It’s personal preference.

4. Place in the room. It can be hidden but not enclosed in a cabinet or drawer. It should be open to the elements

5. You will want to put a saucer under it because it will fizz. If the jar becomes completely covered in fizz, replace it entirely.

6. Old salt cures need to be discarded, thrown away at the beginning of every New Year ideally on or before February 3. The saucer underneath does not need to be discarded.  Put the old ones in the trash or recycling so they will leave the property. Place them gently in the bin with thanks and gratitude.
NOTE：It is acceptable to recycle the glass jars. Dispose of the salt, water and coins, then recycle the jar as customary where you live.
These are correctly constructed salt cures. These are covered with a piece of paper towel or cheesecloth. They have holes punched in the paper to allow more air flow. If you use cheese cloth, no need for the holes. It’s fine to secure the paper towel or cheesecloth with either a rubber band or the metal band that comes on the quart jars. (You don’t need to use jars exactly like these. Any jar will do)