Beef Jerky and all kinds of other jerky
What's the story behind this snack, what's the catch and why on earth should I eat it?
Whether you already love jerky or are just curious about learning more about this delicious snack this page is the perfect source of information for you. We have gathered interesting facts starting with the history of beef jerky, we also cover the most common use cases and benefits of this snack.
If you are a true jerky lover you probably enjoy the snack everyday but many of us still don't know when this snack should be actually eaten. In the case you are not a jerky lover yet but are curious about becoming one, maybe we can convince making jerky a part of your daily life!
Enjoy the read.
Sit back, relax, grab your favorite jerky and if you don't have jerky your favorite drink will work as well.
The concept of drying meat is very, very old
Even if beef jerky is rather new snack for most of the consumers in Europe dried meat has been consumed for thousands of years.
The history of beef jerky can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used various preservation methods to extend the shelf life of meat. The word "jerky" is believed to have originated from the Quechua language spoken by the Incas in South America, who called their dried meat "charqui."
Drying meat was a common preservation method used by many ancient civilizations
Here are a few examples of the meats that were commonly dried by these civilizations:
Ancient Egyptians: The Ancient Egyptians are known to have dried fish, beef, and wild game, such as antelope and gazelle.
Native Americans: The Native Americans dried a variety of meats, including buffalo, elk, and deer.
Vikings: The Vikings would dry fish and meat, such as lamb, beef, and horse meat.
Chinese: The Chinese dried meat from various animals, including pork, beef, and mutton.
Incas: The Incas were known to dry llama and alpaca meat, which was an important source of protein in the Andes.
Mongols: The Mongols would dry meat from horses, cattle, and sheep, which they would then carry with them on their travels.
Romans: The Romans dried pork and beef, which they would then grind into a powder to make sausages.
Jerky as a Portable Source of Protein
In the 1800s, beef jerky became a popular food among cowboys and frontiersmen in the United States, who would take it with them on long cattle drives and hunting trips.
It was a convenient and portable source of protein that could be eaten without cooking or refrigeration.
During World War II, beef jerky gained further popularity among soldiers, who were given it as a high-protein snack to take on the battlefield. After the war, it became a commercial product and was sold in grocery stores and gas stations.
This could be called the beginning of the current history of beef jerky.
Beef Jerky and jerky in 2020's
Beef jerky has become a popular snack food for many consumers in recent years, as it is a convenient, high-protein snack that can be enjoyed on-the-go.
Thanks to the increased popularity of the snack today there are many brands to choose from in Europe. True jerky lovers will even know the smaller ones such as Kuivalihakundi or Renjer, but even people who haven't tried jerky before will most likely either know Jack Link's or Indiana because they are so widely available.
How we consume beef jerky today depends on a variety of factors
One factor is the quality of the beef jerky. Some people may be more likely to purchase beef jerky that is made from high-quality, lean cuts of meat, and that is free from artificial preservatives and additives.
Another factor is the flavor. Some of us prefer traditional beef jerky flavors, such as original, teriyaki, or peppered, while others may be more interested in trying more unique or exotic flavors, such as jalapeño or BBQ.
Third factor comes down to the nutrition of the jerky and if you follow a certain diet you probably have seen that there are differences in the amount of protein and sugar between different jerky brands.
When is it the best to eat Beef Jerky?
Maybe you already expect that our answer is always (you can do it of course), but let's think about it more in detail.
When is it good to have Beef Jerky?
Naturally jerky is a great alternative for other snacks you consume daily but it can be especially beneficial in the following situations
Outdoor activities
Beef jerky is a popular snack for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts as it is lightweight, portable, and can be eaten on the go.
Travel
Beef jerky is a great snack to pack for long car rides, flights, or train rides as it does not need to be refrigerated and can help stave off hunger during transit.
Emergency food supply
Beef jerky can be included in an emergency food supply kit as it has a long shelf life and does not require refrigeration.
Post-workout snack
Beef jerky can be a good source of protein after a workout, helping to repair and build muscle tissue.
Low-carb diet
Beef jerky can be a good snack option for people following a low-carb diet as it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Make sure to check the nutritional details first though.