week 6 - QST Smokehouse series

Over the next two weeks, John R. White will be featuring tips, facts, and guidance from QST Smoke Flavors to help inform, educate, and highlight important considerations during the smoking processes.

Download our helpful Smokehouse Tip Sheet now!

#6 How to Maintain Your Drench Solution

The single most important step to product consistency when using a liquid smoke drench is to maintain the solution strength. Inconsistent color, decreasing color and flavor, and peeling difficulties can all be a result of a liquid smoke sump solution that fluctuates over time.

The Importance of Acid

In order to minimize these affects it is necessary to maintain the acid level of the smoke solution at a predetermined concentration. Acid is one component of liquid smoke and the easiest to measure. Soon after start-up, the acidity of the solution should be tested through a titration. As the day progresses, the acid level must be maintained by adding back liquid smoke. If the acid level weakens, the other smoke components will also weaken, and the above noted issues can develop.

How often SHOULD you test the acid?

In order to keep your operation running smoothly and consistently, test the acid every hour or two throughout the day. This will help to keep all of the components in your smoke solution in the proper range to produce the best, most consistent product.

Looking to learn more? Contact us today with any of your smoke questions or visit us here to learn more about QST Smoke. 

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