The Original Dry Bag Steak | Make Artisan Dry Age Steak at Home › Forums › Welcome New Users! › Welcome to the Forum! › Just joined the Forum › Just joined the Forum
First of all, Don, Welcome to our forum. We’re still a young forum and an old timer is someone who has been here a year or two!
As for your question about the length of time I would politely say if you are aging 14 days or shorter why even bother? 21 days is the bare minimum. The results of even 21 days pales to 35 to 45 days. Typically in 40 to 45 day the results I have experienced mean about a 21% weight loss untrimmed of course. Remember that the weight loss is nothing but the tasteless water dried from the meat. That removal is what enhances the beefy taste plus tenderizes the meat.
As for salvaging the hardened outer shell that is our option I suppose, but most people here find that part unappealing. OTOH we would be all ears to hear of your results if you try it.
It’s obvious you have read other posts and gleaned information, but if you didn’t get an answer you needed please ask!
Ron