Is there any way to tell if a pelt is freezer burned ?

Submitted by Matthew on 12/3/04 at 7:45 PM. ( ) 152.163.100.201

I have a ringtail pelt in the freezer they have been in there for about February of 2003. The way I have it frozen is it is wrapped in 2 Wal Mart bags with a trash bag tied over top of the pelt and the pelt is in its own bag but tied flesh side out into a tight bundle.

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Well

This response submitted by cur on 12/4/04 at 3:12 AM. ( ) 4.226.57.163

First of all, NEVER store a pelt flesh side out. ALWAYS wrap, fold, staple or mutilate the pelt so that the flesh is against flesh, and the fur side is out.

Now, to answer your question, a freezer burned areas on a pelt will be dry to the touch, lighter than the surrounding tissue, and resemble finished leather in appearance.

Freezer burned does not mean, or should not be indicative, of ruination. You can usually rehydrate freezer burned flesh. Not always, but usually. Freezer "burn" is the result of a slow method of liphilization wherein liquids as ice evaporate. "Freeze Drying" is a method by which liquids are removed as vapors under vacuum. the same phenomena occurs in a standard home freezer over longer periods of time. Rehydrating a hide will saturate it with water, reversing the process, just like freeze dried food regains substance in a pot of boiling water...........er....uh.....DON'T boil the hide. Room temperature water will suffice.


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