Beef jerky is a popular snack made from lean beef that has been sliced into strips, seasoned, and dried. But what exactly is beef jerky and how is it made? This article will take a closer look at the history, production process, nutrition facts, and health benefits of beef jerky.
A Brief History of Beef Jerkys have been preserving meat by drying it into jerky for thousands of years. There is evidence that people were making jerky in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and other early civilizations. The Quechua people of South America were drying meat into a snack called ch’arki as early as 1532.
When European explorers came to the Americas in the 1500s and 1600s, they learned jerky-making techniques from Native Americans. Jerky helped pioneers and cowboys preserve meat on long journeys across the frontier. Today, jerky remains a convenient snack for hiking, camping, and other activities.
The word “jerky” reportedly comes from the Spanish spelling of ch’arki which became “charque.” Over time this evolved into the English word “jerky.”
While jerky has a long history, modern commercial beef jerky as we know it today didn’t become popular until the 1960s. Improved manufacturing and packaging helped make jerky an on-the-go snack Its popularity has steadily risen since then.
How Beef Jerky Is Made
Making beef jerky involves more than just drying strips of meat. It requires precise temperature and moisture control to create a shelf-stable snack. Here are the basic steps:
1. Selecting and Preparing the Beef
Most commercial jerky starts with flank steak or round roast cuts of beef. The meat should be lean, with all external fat trimmed off. It is sliced across the grain into long, thin strips.
2. Marinating the Meat
The meat strips are marinated for flavor. A typical marinade contains salt, spices, and sometimes soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. The salt also helps draw moisture out of the meat.
3. Drying the Meat
Next, the strips are ready for dehydrating. This can be done at low temperatures in an oven or food dehydrator, which removes moisture slowly to prevent toughening. Industrial dehydrators blow heated, dry air across the meat strips to dry them.
4. Finishing and Packaging
After drying, the moisture content must be stabilized so the jerky doesn’t spoil. Most jerky is heated briefly to an internal temperature of 160°F to finish the drying process. Finally, it’s packaged in moisture-proof bags or pouches.
Nutrition Facts About Beef Jerky
Beef jerky packs a big protein punch in a small serving. Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 ounce serving of beef jerky:
- Calories: 116
- Protein: 9.4g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 505mg
- Carbs: 3.12g
As you can see, jerky provides protein for muscle recovery and maintenance. It has a decent amount of fat for an energy source. The sodium content can vary widely depending on the recipe.
Compared to other protein snacks like nuts or cheese, beef jerky offers more protein for the calories. It’s low carb as well since the dehydration process removes most of the sugar and starch.
However, watch out for added sugars in flavored varieties of jerky. You’ll also want to limit jerky if you are monitoring your sodium intake.
The Health Benefits of Beef Jerky
In moderation, beef jerky can be part of a healthy diet. Here are some of the benefits it provides:
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Convenient Protein. With 9-15g of protein in a 1 ounce serving, jerky is a protein powerhouse. It’s low fat, sugar-free, and shelf-stable as well.
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Boosts Energy. Beef jerky provides long-lasting energy from its protein and healthy fats without spiking blood sugar.
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Supports Muscle Building/Recovery. The protein in beef jerky helps repair and build muscle tissues after exercise.
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Contains Iron. Beef is an excellent source of iron, an essential mineral that aids oxygen delivery and energy production.
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High in Zinc. Important for immune function, beef jerky provides zinc.
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Vitamin B12 Source. Necessary for healthy nerves and blood cells, jerky supplies vitamin B12.
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Satisfies Hunger. Jerky is very filling and can stave off hunger pangs.
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Portable. With no need for refrigeration and a long shelf life, jerky is an ideal on-the-go snack for work, hiking, travel, etc.
Just be mindful of limiting sodium intake if that is a concern for you. Overall though, jerky can be a healthy part of your diet in moderation.
Tips for Enjoying Beef Jerky
Ready to add some beef jerky to your snack roster? Here are some tips:
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Look for low or no sugar added varieties.
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Choose jerky made from grass-fed or organic beef when possible for higher quality.
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Read labels and aim for jerky with no more than 600mg sodium per serving.
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For more flavor, pair jerky with raw veggies, berries, nuts, or yogurt.
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Make your own jerky at home so you control the ingredients.
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Enjoy jerky in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The Takeaway on Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a tasty, protein-packed snack that has fed people for thousands of years. While its high sodium content can be a downside, jerky offers a convenient source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy when consumed in moderation. Look for low-sugar, grass-fed varieties and enjoy this portable snack as part of an overall healthy diet.
Most Common Questions About Beef Jerky
There are plenty of common questions about beef jerky. We’re here to set the record straight so you can feel good knowing what’s in your food!
Is Beef Jerky Cooked?
Yes! Beef jerky is a fully cooked product that takes it a step further in its dehydration process. Fully dehydrating the meat allows beef jerky to last for much longer than regularly cooked meat.
The process begins by removing fat and other impurities from the meat. Then it is cut into slices before going into the freezer. Afterward, we add a variety of spices to reach the flavor of choice. The next step is to coat the meat in honey or dark corn syrup and place it in the oven to fully dry.
How It’s Made : Beef Jerky
FAQ
What is beef jerky made of?
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1. Cutting and Marinating:Lean beef is cut into thin strips and then marinated in a sauce or solution containing salt, sugar, and other seasonings.
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2. Drying or Smoking:The marinated beef is then dried or smoked to remove moisture, which prevents spoilage and creates the characteristic jerky texture.
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3. Packaging:Once dried, the jerky is usually packaged in a vacuum-sealed container to preserve its shelf life.
Is beef jerky actually healthy?
- High in protein: Beef jerky is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair, according to Get Jerky.
- Low in carbohydrates: It’s a good option for those following a low-carb diet.
- Good source of nutrients: It contains iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are important for overall health.
- Convenient and portable: Beef jerky is a great on-the-go snack that doesn’t require refrigeration.
Is beef jerky just dried meat?
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Drying:The primary method of making jerky is drying, or dehydrating, the meat to remove moisture. This process is crucial for food safety and shelf stability.
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Before drying, beef is often marinated in a mixture of flavorings, like salt, pepper, and other spices, to enhance the flavor.
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Some jerky is also smoked, which adds a smoky flavor and can further contribute to food safety by slowing bacterial growth.
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Beef jerky is typically cooked to a safe internal temperature before drying, often to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
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After drying, beef jerky is often vacuum-sealed to protect it from oxygen and maintain freshness.
What part of the animal is beef jerky?
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.
Is Beef Jerky Easy to make?
Beef jerky makes for the perfect snack to bring with you on the go and it’s so easy to make! *Beef stir fry strips: Often grocery stores will sell beef “stir fry strips”, which is beef that is already cut to the perfect size for making jerky. This makes the whole process so much easier!
Can you smoke beef jerky?
Making your own Smoked Beef Jerky is a satisfying process that results in a delicious snack perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your smoker, and get ready to embark on a flavorsome journey with every bite of this scrumptious jerky. Enjoy! What kind of meat do you use to make jerky?
Do you need fatty meat to make beef jerky?
Although fatty meat might be preferential for a big grilling steak, you actually need the opposite when making beef jerky. The fat in meat never fully dehydrates, so fatty meat that is dehydrated can spoil quite quickly, which defeats one of the reasons many people make beef jerky in the first place.