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If you are a connoisseur of cured meat snacks, you may have come across two very popular ones: biltong and beef jerky. Undoubtedly, they are by people of all ages. But are they the same thing?
No. While they may seem similar, they are actually quite different in taste, texture, and preparation. Thinking how come? You have come to the right place. Let’s do a rundown on the differences between biltong and beef jerky In this blog.
Origin
Biltong is a traditional South African snack that was originally made by the indigenous tribes of the region. Beefy jerky, on the other hand, is a popular snack in North America that has been around for centuries. The cultural and regional influences contribute to variations in their production techniques and flavors.
Technique of making
Biltong is typically made by curing strips of raw beef or game meat in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices for several days. After the meat has been soaked, it is hung up to dry in a ventilated area until it is dry and tender. Biltong can be made from various types of meat, including beef, game, and ostrich.
Beef jerky is typically made by cutting lean cuts of beef into thin strips and then drying them out using various methods, such as oven drying, smoking, or dehydrating. It is often made with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices to add flavor.
Marination process
Biltong is marinated in vinegar, salt, and spices before being hung up to dry slowly. This process helps to break down the muscle fibers of the meat and makes it more tender. Beef jerky, on the other hand, is mainly preserved with salt and spices and dried out through various methods. It is usually marinated in a mixture containing soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and various spices like garlic and onion powder.
Drying process
Biltong is air-dried in whole muscle slices or chunks. The meat is usually hung in a well-ventilated area to dry slowly, allowing the flavors to develop over time.
Beef jerky, on the other hand, is often dried using low heat or a dehydrator. The drying process for jerky is generally quicker compared to biltong.
Texture and Moisture Content
Biltong has a softer texture compared to beef jerky. The meat is not as tough as beef jerky because it is not dehydrated to the same extent.
Beef jerky has a chewy and leathery texture that comes from the drying process. The dehydration process concentrates the flavors and makes the jerky taste more intense.
Flavor
Biltong has a more pronounced flavor than beef jerky. It has a slightly tangy taste that comes from the vinegar used in the curing process. The spices used in the marinating process also give biltong its distinctive flavor.
Beef jerky, on the other hand, is often flavored with spices such as garlic, pepper, or chili powder. The flavor varies depending on the brand and the type of meat used.
While both biltong and beefy jerky are delicious dried meat snacks, the aforementioned differences in preparation, ingredients, and flavors contribute to their unique characteristics. Nonetheless, both snacks appeal to different taste preferences.
