Have you ever walked through the grocery isles to find a pack of beef jerky and then think of America?
I know I do…
It seems as though This Jerky and the American West always come up.
So what is it about this food that is almost an icon?
Let’s find out more.
Is Beef Jerky Just Dried Meat?
Jerky is actually a lightweight meat that has been dried. And it was also a way for people to keep food for a long time. These days it is more a snack than anything.
As it requires no refrigeration at all.
I know we think of beef when we think of beef jerky. But did you know that Jerky can be made from almost any lean meat, including:
- beef
- venison
- pork
- smoked turkey breast
Is it Healthy to Eat
I guess that is a fair question…
And yes, beef jerky is actually healthy in itself and has many health benefits. And you will be happy to know that also means weight loss as well.
If you eat it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
This form of food beef jerky is an excellent snack that is also low in calories, and also high in proteins.
Sounding good so far?
And also a good source of vitamins and minerals including:
- iron
- zinc
- choline
- Vitamin B12
How Long Will Homemade Jerky Last
Now that we are talking about homemade beef jerky.
It is not like the professional smokers that really get the job done.
And as we do not want to spend thousands of dollars to go industrial here.
Homemade beef jerky really should be lasting one to two months. That is if you store it in an airtight container just after making it of course…
Now, if you decide to store beef jerky in one of those Ziplock bags, it will only last about a week.
And, if you decide to store your beef jerky in the fridge, you can expect it to last at least one to two weeks.
Even though our forefathers did not know it at the time…
Lean fresh meat jerky has its advantage and is low in fat and cholesterol and also adds high protein to that.
So they did well.
If you are looking for more energy, Jerky is an excellent choice here for an energy food to take with you for a snack or are out camping for instance.
Home-Made Jerky for You
3 lbs. meat (not ground meat)
2/3 cups Worcestershire Sauce
2/3 cups Soy Sauce
1 tsp. Black Pepper
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. smoke flavouring
2 tsp. Tabasco Sauce
Mix all marinade ingredients together in a large (gallon-size) plastic zipper bag.
Add sliced meat (cut about 1/4 inch) and refrigerate, mixing and turning about every hour.
You should also marinate it overnight.
When you are ready to begin drying, place a sheet of aluminium foil on the bottom of the oven.
Drain meat in a colander and pat dry with a paper towel (the drier the meat now, the better).
Set the oven to about 150 degrees and place the meat strips on the oven racks. Leave the oven door open to allow the moisture to escape.
The drying time may vary due to ovens and the size of the meat.
The meat should be firm and dry, and not spongy at all. But if the jerky is so dry that it snaps in two easily, then it’s over-dried.
Well…
I did not know that beef jerky was so good for you. So upon learning more about this meal most probably made for the convenience of the old days when there was not a fridge around.
Because they were not invented yet. Seems a great food decision to have in your kitchen cupboards for the special something.
An overall good food choice by the sounds of it.