Who doesn’t enjoy a quick, high-protein beef jerky snack when they’re on the go? However, did you know that the dish’s origins date back to the Inca Empire, around 1550?

It should come as no surprise that beef jerky has been popular for generations. The variety of tastes, nutritional content, and ease of preparation make beef jerky a timeless food.

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One question keeps coming up, though, despite its deliciousness and appeal: what exactly is beef jerky?

Alright, So What Exactly Is Beef Jerky?

For a snack that seems so easy and is always excellent, beef jerky is a delectable delicacy that requires a complicated technique.

To put it plainly, though, beef jerky is made from lean, trimmed beef that has been chopped into bits and dried to preserve it. One way to stop germs from growing during the dehydration process is to add salt.

The fact that the name “jerky” is derived from the Quechua word “ch’arki,” which means “dried, salted meat,” may also be useful.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Beef Jerky

Many people have frequent inquiries concerning beef jerky. Our goal is to correct any misconceptions so you may feel confident about the ingredients in your meals.

Cooked Beef Jerky: Is It?

Indeed! A completely cooked product that goes through an additional phase of dehydration is beef jerky. When beef jerky is fully dehydrated, it keeps far longer than when meat is prepared through ordinary cooking.

The first step in the procedure is to remove the meat’s fat and other contaminants. After that, it is sliced and placed in the freezer. To get the desired flavor, we then add a range of spices. The meat must then be covered with honey or dark corn syrup and baked until it is completely dry.

Do You Sell Raw Beef Jerky?

Beef jerky is thoroughly cooked even though it isn’t grilled like a steak. To give it the familiar and beloved dry feel, moisture is removed during the dehydration process.

Additionally, by freezing each batch, you may extend its shelf life by many months due to the dehydration process.

What Constitutes Beef Jerky?

Jerky comes in a variety of forms, but beef jerky is made only from beef. The variety of tastes is determined by the extra ingredients and spices that are added before the dehydration process starts. Soy sauce, apple cider, beer, garlic powder, salt, pepper, turmeric, and even honey or dark corn syrup are examples of common spices.

But you may also use different meats, like turkey, deer, and so on, to produce jerky.

Which Cow Part Is Used to Make Beef Jerky?

To prepare beef jerky, there is no one “best” piece of meat to use. But the cut that is selected does important.

Leaner meats are always preferable, to start. This simplifies preparation as well, as slicing off the meat’s fat is a necessary step in the procedure.

The top round and bottom round are the two most popular meat cuts for beef jerky. Additionally, flank steak and sirloin tip are extremely lean. They are usually the priciest, though.

How to Keep Beef Jerky Fresh and Preserve It

Whether you purchase with us or not, maintaining the flavor and texture of your jerky over time depends on how you store it.

First and foremost, store beef jerky out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location at all times. Because heat and light hasten the oxidation process, they can cause the jerky’s quality and flavor to deteriorate. A closet or pantry is usually the best place to store items.

If you will not be eating the jerky right away, transfer it to an airtight container as soon as it is opened. By doing this, the jerky will not become softer from moisture in the air, which might cause it to deteriorate. Using vacuum-sealed containers to exclude extra air—which can potentially encourage bacterial growth—can provide an additional layer of protection.

Your greatest option for long-term storage is refrigeration. The jerky will stay fresh for around a month if it is chilled, which will drastically slow down the deterioration process. For even longer-term preservation, beef jerky can also be frozen. Allow the jerky to come to room temperature for a few minutes before reheating to bring out its taste and texture.

Having stated that, what is the shelf life of beef jerky when it is opened? Within a month or so, we advise using your jerky under normal storage circumstances. It may, however, keep for six to twelve months in the refrigerator or freezer.

Just keep an eye out for any telltale indicators of expired beef jerky, such as an odd smell, color, or flavor. Avoid taking a chance on food poisoning. When you purchase from Markwell Beef, however, you won’t have to worry about this since our jerky is so delicious that you won’t have time to finish it!

Now that we’ve finished our introduction to jerky, come shop with us and see everything we have in store for you.

Completing Our Jerky Beginner’s Guide

Now tell me about beef jerky. In a nutshell, this is the most delicious, nutrient-dense, and easily transportable snack available! We hope that after reading this article, you will know exactly why it has to be in your pantry.

Are you curious to know more about the vast world of jerky? Resources such as biltong versus jerky, carne seca versus jerky, jerky calories, jerky while pregnant, jerky substitute, jerky vs pemmican, and more are available.