Beef Jerky vs. Biltong: A Deep Dive into the Differences

noviembre 01, 2024

Beef jerky and Biltong are two popular dried meat snacks that often get compared due to their similar preservation methods, but they differ significantly in terms of texture, ingredients, preparation, and history.

Both snacks offer a high-protein, portable option for on-the-go nutrition, but their origins and unique characteristics set them apart. Here’s a detailed look at the differences between beef jerky and biltong.

Origins and History:

Beef Jerky:

Beef jerky has very deep roots in the Americas, particularly in North and South America. The word “jerky” comes from the Quechua word “ch’arki,” which means dried, salted meat.

Native American tribes, particularly in the northern regions, were some of the earliest producers of jerky. They dried strips of meat from buffalo, deer, and other game to preserve them for the winter months.

As European settlers arrived in the Americas, they adopted and modified this preservation method, leading to the development of modern beef jerky. Today, beef jerky is mass-produced in many varieties with a range of flavors, making it a staple snack in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Biltong:

Biltong traces its roots to Southern Africa, specifically among the Dutch settlers (Boers) of the 17th century. The word "biltong" comes from the Dutch words "bil," meaning rump, and "tong," meaning strip or tongue. The Boers needed a method to preserve meat while on long journeys across the African plains, and they developed the drying and curing process that became biltong.

Biltong has remained a traditional snack in South Africa, with variations in recipe and meat types, including game meats like ostrich and venison. Its spread globally, especially to countries with South African communities, has introduced biltong to new markets, although it remains less widely known than jerky.

Preparation:

Beef Jerky:

Traditional Jerky is made by making thin strips from whole muscle cuts, marinating it, and then drying it at a low temperature using a dehydrator, an oven or smoker. This typically takes several hours, and the drying is done quicker than in the biltong process.

Biltong:

Biltong is made by cutting meat into thicker strips, marinating it in vinegar, and then seasoning it with salt, coriander, pepper, and other spices. The meat is air-dried in specially controlled environments for several days or even weeks. Unlike jerky, biltong is not cooked or heated during the drying process.

Texture:

Beef Jerky

Jerky is typically chewier and firmer, which comes from the thin slicing and the fast dehydration process. Because it is cooked at a low temperature, the meat tends to have a firmer, leathery consistency.

Our Jerky is a bit different from traditional jerky. Instead of making thin slices from beef cuts, we mince the meat before adding the marinade. Then we form stripes that we oven bake. The result is a softer texture than traditional jerky.

Biltong

Biltong has a more tender texture compared to jerky, due to the thicker cut of the meat and the slower air-drying process. Depending on the drying time, biltong can range from soft and slightly moist to dry and crumbly, but it is generally less chewy than jerky.

Taste:

Beef Jerky

The taste of jerky can vary widely depending on the marinade and seasoning. Traditional jerky It's often salty and smoky, with sweet or spicy notes and very likely to have a fair amount of additives.

We are proud to make our organic beef jerky in a different way. First of all, we do not use any additives or preservatives such as sodium nitrate or MSG to improve flavor.

We only use natural ingredients, honey and spices that you can buy in any shop to enhance the flavor of meat.

Biltong:

Biltong has a more subtle, meat-forward flavor. The use of vinegar in the curing process gives it a slight tang, and the coriander adds a distinctive earthy note.

Our organic biltong is unsweetened, we only use vinegar, salt and spices.

Beef Jerky and Biltong are some of the healthiest snacks you can find.

You can't go wrong choosing between Eco Cherky Biltong or Jerky as your go-to healthy snack.

Dried beef, in general, is a great source of various essential micronutrients like B vitamins, potassium and magnesium.

Both are low in carbs and high in protein which makes them a great snack for people following a Paleo, Ketogenic or low-carb diet. They also contain a healthy dose of iron, which is a nutrient that many people are commonly deficient in.

Both offer an impressive nutritional profile with around 50% top quality protein content from organic beef raised in the Pyrenees, a clean ingredient list and an awesome meaty flavor.

We recommend giving your taste buds the chance to try both and see which you like best.

There are a few main differences between biltong and jerky. If you're choosing between these two meat snacks, the one you will enjoy most comes down to your personal preference in taste, texture as well as your health goals.