Black spots

[lumpy]

Lately when I've made collagen smoked sausage, every so often a black spot/area (on 32mm casing about 3/4-1") appears.
I'm thinking that its over smoke? I'm pretty sure its not mould. No way mold can grow in smoke and heat.

At first I thought it was a bunch of jalapenos that were not mixed properly.

I'm perplexed?

Any ideas.
Let me see if I can take a picture of the stuff.

Lumpy

[Quarlow]

Is it on the inside or outside of your casings. If it is on the outside, could there be a chance you are not opening your vent enough and getting the black rain from to much moisture. Aside from that I have never done sausage so I can help with that aspect.

[lumpy]

Its on the outside and vent is always wide open.

Lump

[KevinG]

Is that part hanging close to the heating element. It seems from the picture that it might be getting hot.

[lumpy]

No it was not close to the heater. I rotate my racks every 1-2 hours.

I only used the upper 2 rack for this smoke.

Lumpy

[FLBentRider]

Did you happen to taste that area ?

It looks like condensed smoke dripping on the sausage.

Perhaps even with the vent wide open there is too much moisture ?

Ambient temps ?

Humidity ?

Vent cleaned lately ?

[lumpy]

Condensed smoke makes sense.
When I moved the rack, I hit the inside top with the top of my hand and it was wet and black.

I've been smoking alot lately (christmas gifts) and guess I need to clean the vent.

Ambient was 32 today.

This is like CSI Sausage ;D

Thanks FLB
Lump

[FLBentRider]

I'm going to need a large sample of that sausage for DNA analysis!

[Habanero Smoker]

Another possibility is that your cabinet may be flaking, and it falling on your sausage. Use a couple of sheets of newspaper crumbled up, and brush the interior of the smoker.

[lumpy]

Time to clean the Bradley.

Lumpy

[NePaSmoKer]

Lumpy

I get this every so often. Its caused from condensation dripping from the vent area making a black spotch. Before your next smoke take the top vent screw off and vent slide and use some hot water on top and inside all around the vent opening. The vent slide you can use soapy hot water.  I leave the inside of my smoker crusty, it smokes better that way.

nepas

[lumpy]

Thanks for the help guys.
I think I'll have to get more meat and get to smoking after I clean my smoker.

Maybe I will buy a backup unit for days like this. LOL

Lumpy

[Tenpoint5]

I'm late to the party on this one. I would hit the vent hole with a paper towel when you are doing your next preheat to get some of that moisture and build up out of there.