Meat Curing Calculator

Calculate precise salt and cure ratios for homemade charcuterie

Bacon (Pork Belly)

5 lbs (2268g)

Kosher Salt

56.7g

3.2 tbsp

Pink Salt #1

0.35g

0.06 tsp

Sugar

28g

2.3 tbsp

Cure Time

5-7

days in fridge

Classic cured pork belly

Equilibrium Method Instructions

  1. Weigh meat precisely and calculate cure amounts
  2. Mix all cure ingredients thoroughly
  3. Apply cure evenly to all surfaces
  4. Vacuum seal or place in zip-lock bag, removing air
  5. Refrigerate, flipping daily
  6. No need to rinse - cure is fully absorbed

Safety Warning

  • Pink salt #1 (Prague Powder #1) is toxic in large amounts - measure carefully
  • Never substitute pink salt #2 for #1, or vice versa
  • Store curing salts away from regular salt to prevent confusion
  • Always cure in refrigerator at 36-40°F (2-4°C)
  • When in doubt, use a scale - volume measurements are less accurate