Interesting Facts About Beef Jerky Revealed

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Beef jerky is incredibly popular snack food. Traditionally prepared jerky can be high in salt-level but lean and rich in protein. These days, the world is experiencing a jerky renaissance because many giant companies are selling jerky flavours like pineapple orange and chilli lime.


What is jerky?


Jerky is lean meat of any kind that is trimmed of fat and cut into pieces then dried adding salt. The drying and salting process prevents spoilage and growth of bacteria. If prepared properly, it lasts for a year.


Facts for making good beef jerky


Quality meat is needed for preparing good beef jerky.


Therefore select -


Lean meat - Fat turns rancid quickly, which can ruin your jerky in days, so less fat and marbling is good.


Fresh beef - Opt for nice ruddy red beef without any dark spots. Old smells can ruin your jerky, so buy fresh beef.


Facts about curing solution
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Curing solution includes:

Salt provides dehydrating effect

Sodium nitrite retards rancidity development and stabilizes meat colour.

Brine is a solution that includes seasonings, salt, sugar, phosphates and spices.

Flavourings like lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, MSG and pepper.

Liquid smoke is used to provide the meat smoky cooked taste.

Polyphosphates are used as tenderizing agents.

Interesting facts you did not know about beef jerky

Jerky was invented by native Quechua tribe of South America in 1550 and was called ‘Ch’arki’

Its purpose was to carry food rich in protein and that do not get rancid in the long journey

Indians made jerky from buffalo, elk or deer using spices they had and salt for preservation. Meat was cured in the sun

Spanish started making jerky and named it ‘Charqui’

Jerky became a staple food of cowboys, explorers and Native Americans. Meat was stringed on ropes and hung outside for drying. Curing took two to four days. Then it was packed and stored up for future use

Many explorers hung meat cuts over fire, so as to smoke cure it

Today, thin strips of beef is dehydrated and smoked then vacuum packed, which increases its shelf life

Any kind of meat can be used to prepare jerky but beef is popular

Quality of beef jerky available in the market differ because it depends on the meat selection and marinating technique used

Beef jerky is a light weight protein-rich treat, which has been satisfying space shuttle crews, since mid nineties

Beef jerky is very expensive because it needs 3 to 5 pounds of meat for producing one pound of jerky. Three-fourth of weight gets lost in smoking process

Americans favourite flavour is Teriyaki beef jerky

Understand the health facts about beef jerky


Beef jerky is low carb snacks rich in proteins, which are best for muscle building, weight loss and helps to recovery from injuries. Nutritionally, there are pros and cons associated with beef jerky. Select healthy varieties to meet your daily nutrient needs and avoid health risks.


One ounce beef jerky has

Calorie - 116 calories but choose low calorie variety, which contains 70 calories

Protein - 9 to 14 gm depending on brand

Carbs & fats - 2 to 3 gm carbs and 7 gm fats but choose jerky made from lean meat that contains 1 gm fat

Vitamins & minerals - Beef jerky is a good source of necessary vitamins and minerals including zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and phosphorus

Sodium - 590 mg sodium is found in regular beef jerky but varieties of low-salt beef jerky are available that contain 140 mg sodium

Select high protein diet from Top Herd Jerky Snacks Co to get lean and strong. They provide an extensive range of jerky products, which are tasty and satisfy your palette. Low carb snacks are the secret of maintaining a healthy weight.