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The question of the ideal temperature to wrap a pork shoulder during cooking is indeed a nuanced topic that blends both science and art. Most pitmasters agree that the “stall”—a plateau in internal temperature caused by evaporative cooling—occurs roughly between 150°F and 170°F. During this phase, the meat can linger at the same temperature for hours, which slows down cooking and can dry out the surface if left unwrapped.

A widely accepted practice is to wrap the pork shoulder at around 160°F, right in the middle of the stall. Wrapping at this temperature using foil or butcher paper traps moisture and heat, helping the meat push through the stall more quickly and retain juiciness without sacrificing tenderness. Wrapping too early, say below 140°F, risks preventing the bark from forming properly because the surface remains too moist, inhibiting the Maillard reaction. Conversely, waiting until the shoulder reaches 170°F or higher before wrapping can dry out the meat, as evaporative loss would have already taken its toll.

Empirical evidence comes from both seasoned pitmasters and controlled cooking experiments showing that the best balance of bark formation and moisture retention occurs when wrapping at this mid-stall temperature. Ambient heat matters, too—higher cooking temperatures will speed the process but make timing wrapping more critical. Regional styles may prefer different approaches: Texas-style, for example, often favors unwrapped “naked” burning bark, while others prioritize tenderness with earlier wrapping.

In conclusion, wrapping at approximately 160°F offers a sweet spot to achieve tender, juicy pork shoulder with a well-formed bark—a critical step informed by the science of the cooking stall and years of barbecue tradition.

When planting asparagus, spacing is crucial not only for immediate yield but also for the health and longevity of the bed, as asparagus is a perennial that can produce for 15 years or more. The traditional recommendation of spacing crowns 12 to 24 inches apart strikes a balance between allowing each plant enough room to develop a robust root system and maximizing use of garden space. For optimal growth and abundant harvests, spacing crowns about 18 inches apart is often ideal—it provides sufficient room for mature ferns to unfold fully without overcrowding.

Spacing impacts both current and future harvests because too-close planting can lead to competition for nutrients and water, stress the plants, and reduce productivity over time. Overcrowding also limits air circulation, increasing the risk of fungal diseases like rust or fusarium wilt. Encouraging good airflow by maintaining at least a foot between crowns helps keep foliage dry and healthy.

When deciding spacing, consider several factors: soil quality (rich, well-drained soil supports closer spacing), available sunlight (full sun favors denser planting), and the mature size of the asparagus variety. Some varieties grow larger and require wider spacing. Regional climate matters too; in cooler areas, slower growth may allow tighter spacing, whereas hot, humid climates benefit from wider spacing to prevent disease.

Experimenting with narrower or wider spacing is possible, but closely monitor plants for signs of stress or disease. Ultimately, following best practices—including raised beds, organic matter enrichment, and consistent watering—combined with proper spacing tailored to your conditions, will maximize both health and productivity of your asparagus patch.