Biltong 101 – All You Need to Know

In recent years, people prefer to eat less processed and more natural foods. And getting a snack choice for meat-eaters has always been a challenge. Fortunately, Biltong is created from all-natural ingredients and contains a large amount of protein and all nine necessary amino acids.

Biltong is mainly made of beef. Beef has the highest per-pound zinc, iron, B12, B6, and selenium compared to other meats. In contrast to cooking or dehydrating, air-drying keeps all of the meat’s nutrients, vitamins, and protein.

As a bonus, Biltong contains no added sugar or carbohydrates. It is also an easy pick over processed snack foods like crisps or protein bars made from corn or other sources of synthetically generated amino acids.

Beef Biltong vs. Beef Jerky

Although jerky and Biltong are both dried meats, the materials utilized, the preparation procedure, and the flavor are different. As a result, the phrases “jerky” and “biltong” are not synonymous.

In contrast to beef jerky, which can have a salty and slightly sweet flavor, Biltong has a savory and vinegary flavor from the vinegar and little to no sugar used in its production. However, both dishes have a strong taste of beef.

Biltong and jerky don’t taste the same because of their different manufacturing processes and components. Jerky has a smokier flavor than Biltong. As a result, Biltong is sometimes compared to jerky in its meatier and less smokey flavor. Something about Biltong is notably acidic that jerky doesn’t have.

In contrast to jerky, which relies on lean meat cuts, Biltong may have a more varied texture due to the usage of different kinds of beef. They may be fatty and moist; in others, they may be dry and crumbly.

How Do You Store Biltong?

The quality of Biltong is mainly reliant on its making and storage. If you want your Biltong somewhat wet, this is even more crucial since the greater the moisture in food, the more likely it is to mold. Always store Biltong in a way that preserves its flavor and prevents it from spoiling.

It is possible to keep Biltong in the refrigerator for a longer time. However, freezing may alter its texture. If you have to remove Biltong from a fridge or freezer, store it immediately in a well-ventilated and dry room because it releases moisture as it warms up or defrosts. 

Alternatively, you may use a paper towel to pat the Biltong dry and eliminate excess moisture. To prevent the meat from sweating and eventually turning moldy, never store Biltong in a non-vacuum sealed container. Avoid using plastic bags to store or transport Biltong. Instead, use a paper bag to help keep the meat dry.

You may store Biltong with a high-quality food vacuum sealer. Slicing and sealing the Biltong is a simple task that takes only minutes. Before closing the packets, adding fresh coriander seeds to the slices would provide a nice flavor. This gives Biltong a wonderful fresh flavor.

Biltong Health Benefits

As a healthier alternative to cookies and crackers, Biltong has grown popular. This is mainly owing to its superior nutritious mix. A few of the health advantages of Biltong include:

• Incredibly Rich in Protein

Just 25 grams of Biltong a day provides you with about half of the needed daily protein intake. Protein is necessary for muscle building, which aids in fat loss.

• Excellent for Appetite Suppression

Biltong is a great snack for those times when you’re hungry but don’t want to eat something substantial. While the meat in Biltong swells in your stomach, it does so without adding any more weight, which means you won’t feel bloated after you eat.

• It Can Be Stored for a Long Time

It remains safe to eat for an extended period without going off, so if you left some for those in-between hunger pangs, you should still find it safe to consume.

• Has Low-Calorie

Biltong contains less than 3% fat per serving, making it a better option for your heart. It also has no added calories.

• Perfect for Babies Who Are Teething

Because it is so nutritious, Biltong is an excellent choice for parents with teething infants. The baby’s irritated gums will be soothed by the texture, and there are no added preservatives, so your child won’t be consuming anything unnatural.

• Iron-Rich 

An iron deficiency can induce tiredness, disorientation, and an elevated heart rate, among other symptoms. If you’re suffering from anemia, Biltong is an excellent source of iron, and many dieticians advocate increasing your consumption of it. Many red types of meat contain iron, but Biltong does not require any preparation and may be eaten on the move.

• Rich in Zinc

Biltong contains high amounts of zinc. Zinc is vital since it aids in the formation of blood cells and strengthens the immune system. In addition to protecting us from viruses and parasites, zinc is well-known for its role in promoting health. It is a crucial mineral that makes enzymes, so it is essential to your overall health. 

• Great Post-Exercise Snack

This is due to the high nutritional value of Biltong. Also, it’s low in fat and carbs. There is nothing better than Biltong as a post-workout meal.

Refueling your body with an abundance of nutrients can help you get the best benefits from your workouts.

Final Thoughts

Anyone may enjoy Biltong. From fitness freaks, salty snackers, to everyone in between — it is excellent for everyone. With so much nutrition and a wide variety of delicious flavors to select from, this is a great snack to keep on hand.

Biltong is a low-carb, high-protein snack prepared with dehydrated beef, salt, vinegar, and other seasonings like herbs and spices.

You’ll be amazed at how much flavor the meat retains even after being cooked for so long. Because of its long shelf life, you may snack on it at any time and in any place.

If that’s not enough, you’ll appreciate how cheap it is to buy and how simple it is to produce. It is a delightful delicacy that provides a wealth of health advantages.