Casing Wrinkling, Hardening and Peeling

Some wrinkling accompanies normal shrinkage, but deep folds, hard shells and tearing during peeling indicate a process or material mismatch.

Low humidity, excessive local air movement and rapid surface water loss harden casing before the centre contracts. Large gradients exaggerate folds and separation.

High heat, dry smokehouse conditions or unsuitable casing can set and embrittle the cover. Residues and heavy smoke deposits may also impair peeling.

Over-soaking, under-soaking, age, storage damage, calibre mismatch and wrong casing selection change elasticity and adhesion.

Compare positions in the chamber and batch. Record casing lot, preparation, humidity, airflow, heat, weight loss and whether the filling also shows a dry rim.

Match casing to process, condition it correctly and moderate early drying. Correct chamber distribution and handling rather than treating wrinkles as a surface-only issue.