Does pancetta prepared with InstaCure #2 need to be refrigerated after it's been dried? Thanks in advance.
Technically no, but it is always a good idea to refrigerate air dried meats. Just make sure you start with a good recipe, and that you air dry it until at least 30% weight loss.
Pancetta (http://curedmeats.blogspot.com/2008/08/pancetta-easiest-cured-meat-of-all.html)
Here's the recipe I'll follow for the curing process:
5# Pork Belly
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
InstaCure #2 - 0.25% Weight of Meat
¾ Cup Kosher Salt – 3% Weight of Meat
1 TBS Dark Brown Sugar
2 TBS Coarse Black Pepper
1 TBS Crushed Juniper Berries
2 Bay Leaves – Crumbled
1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
2-3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
You have a safe recipe, both the salt and cure are measured correctly.