Beef jerky is a tasty and convenient snack that has a surprisingly long shelf life compared to other meat products. But even properly stored jerky can eventually go bad. Knowing the signs of spoiled jerky and how to store it properly are key to enjoying this snack safely.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about determining when your beef jerky has gone bad.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last?
The shelf life of beef jerky depends primarily on two factors
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Packaging: Vacuum-sealed packaging can keep commercially packaged beef jerky fresh for up to 2 years if stored properly. Once opened, the beef jerky will begin to degrade faster.
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Storage conditions: Storing beef jerky properly is key to maximizing its shelf life. An unopened package can last at room temperature for 1-2 years. Once opened, refrigeration is best. Refrigerated, opened beef jerky will last around 2 weeks.
Signs That Your Beef Jerky Has Spoiled
Watch for these common signs that your beef jerky has gone bad:
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Change in color: Fading, darkening, or unnatural colors can indicate spoilage.
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Mold growth: Look for fuzz, slime, or spots of green, white, black or blue mold. Mold is a clear sign to throw it out.
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Unpleasant odors: Rancid, sour or ammonia-like smells mean jerky should be discarded.
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Slimy texture: Good jerky should be dry and slightly stiff. Sliminess or stickiness is a red flag.
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Taste: Flavor changes like bitterness, sourness, or very bland taste can mean spoilage.
If you notice any of these signs, it is safest to throw out the jerky. Eating spoiled jerky can cause foodborne illness. When in doubt, throw it out.
Proper Storage for Beef Jerky
Storing beef jerky correctly maximizes shelf life and freshness:
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Unopened: Store in a cool, dry pantry away from light and heat. Avoid temperature extremes.
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Opened: Transfer any remaining jerky to a sealable bag or airtight container. Remove excess air. Store in the refrigerator.
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Freezer storage: For maximum shelf life, commercially packaged jerky can be frozen for up to 1 year. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
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Avoid moisture: Water promotes bacterial growth, so keep jerky in low humidity environments.
With proper storage, an unopened package of jerky can last 1-2 years past its “best by” date. But remember, once opened it has a much shorter shelf life.
Can You Eat Beef Jerky After Its Expiration Date?
The “best by” date on beef jerky packaging is an indication of peak freshness, not safety. Unopened, commercially packaged jerky can often be safely consumed within 1-2 years past this date if properly stored.
However, the risk of spoilage increases over time. Older jerky may begin to fade in color or go rancid before visible mold develops. For highest quality, it’s best to eat jerky before its “best by” date has passed.
If storing beef jerky for long periods, check frequently for any signs of spoilage. Never eat jerky that shows signs of mold, smells “off” or looks discolored. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe and throw it out.
Making Your Own Beef Jerky
When making your own beef jerky at home, food safety is especially important:
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Use lean cuts of meat and trim off excess fat, which can quickly cause jerky to spoil. Flank steak is a good option.
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Cut meat into thin, uniform strips to ensure even drying. Slice across the grain.
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Use a tested jerky recipe and measured ingredients to control the salt and moisture levels. This inhibits bacterial growth.
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Marinate raw jerky strips in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Don’t reuse marinade.
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Dry jerky completely using a food dehydrator or oven. Store in an airtight container.
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Homemade jerky only lasts 1-2 weeks at room temperature due to lack of preservatives. Refrigerate or freeze for longer storage.
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Check frequently for any mold and discard at first signs. Don’t take risks with homemade jerky.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to store beef jerky properly and know how to recognize when it’s gone bad. With unopened, commercially packaged jerky, inspect for signs of spoilage and don’t eat if quality seems degraded. Once opened, limit storage times and refrigerate or freeze for best quality and food safety.
If you see any mold, smell an unpleasant odor or notice color changes or slime, remember it’s not worth the risk. When in doubt, throw it out. Following these guidelines will help ensure you safely enjoy all the savory flavors of beef jerky.
How is Beef Jerky Made?
So, how is beef jerky made exactly? There’s a lot that goes into bringing premium jerky to life – but we’ll leave you with a clear understanding of the 5 most important steps below. First things first – choosing the best cut for beef jerky.
High-quality, lean cuts of beef are essential because fat can cause the jerky to spoil faster. Typically, cuts like top round, bottom round, and flank steak are preferred due to their lower fat content and fibrous texture.
These cuts not only ensure a longer shelf life but also provide the ideal chewiness associated with jerky. Moreover, using leaner cuts like these ensures you’re making the healthiest jerky possible. You get fewer beef jerky calories and more protein. If you ever wonder – why is jerky so expensive? It’s because you get what you pay for.
The selected beef is then thoroughly inspected to meet stringent quality standards, ensuring that only the best meat proceeds to the next stage of jerky making.
Once the meat has been chosen, its sliced against the grain into thin strips. This technique is crucial as it impacts the texture of the final product; slicing against the grain ensures that the jerky is easier to chew.
The thickness of the slices also plays a role in the dehydration process, with thinner slices drying more quickly and evenly. Uniformity in slice thickness leads to consistent drying and, therefore, a uniformly textured jerky.
The meat is then trimmed of any remaining fat to further enhance preservation and ensure a clean bite. You can learn more about how thick to cut beef jerky in our blog.
Now how is beef jerky made into a delicious, flavor packed snack from raw beef? Marinating. This step infuses the beef with flavors and tenderizes it.
Recipes for marinades can vary greatly, from simple salt and pepper for a traditional beef jerky recipe to complex blends of soy sauce, Worcestershire, vinegar, spices, and even sweeteners like honey or brown sugar.
The meat strips are submerged in the marinade and refrigerated, typically for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, and the acidic components of the marinade to begin tenderizing the meat, setting the stage for a rich taste experience.
Now comes the fun part of how beef jerky is made – dehydrating. The marinated beef strips are laid out on racks and placed in a dehydrator or an oven set to a low jerky dehydrator temp.
The goal is to remove moisture slowly without cooking the meat. This low-and-slow approach ensures that the jerky retains its nutritional value while becoming shelf-stable.
Now, you may be wondering – how long do you dehydrate beef jerky? The dehydration process can take several hours, during which the meat loses a significant portion of its weight as water content evaporates.
The exact timing depends on the thickness of the slices and the desired level of dryness. Master jerky makers know that the process cannot be rushed – patience is key to achieving the perfect texture thats neither too brittle nor too moist.
For more insights on the process behind smoked jerky vs dehydrated jerky, explore our blog. Let’s move on to the final step in how beef jerky is made, though: packaging.
Once dehydration is complete, the jerky is cooled to room temperature to prevent condensation during packaging, which could reintroduce moisture and lead to spoilage. Packaging is typically done in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness.
The packaging is also where branding comes into play. Labels with nutritional information, flavor profiles, and branding help distinguish the product in a competitive market.
Why Beef Jerky is Still One of the Most Popular Snacks in the World
There you have it – how beef jerky is made! But what makes this simple little snack so special? Why is it still one of the most popular choices for on-the-go or even at-home enjoyment? There are 3 reasons: health, flavor, and cost.
Jerky is done
FAQ
What does beef jerky look like when it goes bad?
Mold, discoloration, or sliminess on the surface of the beef jerky are all signs of spoilage and should not be ignored. Fresh jerky should be uniform in color and free of any visible mold or growth. If you notice such signs on your jerky, it’s best to dispose of it and find a replacement.
How to tell if beef jerky is safe to eat?
- Foul Odor: If the beef jerky emits an unpleasant or rancid smell, it’s an indication that it has gone bad. …
- Unusual Texture: Spoiled beef jerky may become excessively dry, brittle, or develop a slimy texture. …
- Mold Growth: If you see mold or discoloration on beef jerky, don’t eat it.
What to do if you eat bad beef jerky?
If you happen to contract food poisoning from bad beef jerky, then diarrhea, nausea and vomiting should last only a few (miserable) days. Symptoms usually clear fairly quickly. If your food poisoning symptoms are severe, see a doctor or go to the hospital. Again — it’s better to be safe than sorry.
When should you not eat beef jerky?
But because it’s processed meat with a high sodium content, it may not be the best choice for frequent snacking for some people. Check with a healthcare provider before consuming beef jerky if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, a meat allergy, or are pregnant.