i open and close them until they are dry. leave just a little moisture. you don't want it crispy. you can smoke it once it will burn. the curing should bring out the smell.Hey thanks. I recently hung them in my shed with it compleatly dark with a fan blowing in the room past them. i let them sit their for about 2 days. Now i don't have jars but i do have tuper ware big enough to put it all in. it is " Airtight " and i keep it in a cool dark place. It's one day close one day open for 3 days? i have some pics here. You have helped me so much friend