Beef jerky is lean
meat that's been trimmed of fat, cut into strips, and dried with salt. Both the
drying and salting processes prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. When
prepared properly,
it can last for months on end. While the sodium level is high, it's still a
great protein source, and the possibilities for flavoring are endless. The interesting thing about beef jerky is that you don’t
need extra things to prepare it: all you need is some salt and some heat and it
is prepared.
It can last for
months without a refrigerator. Beef jerky exists in many forms all over the world. In
South Africa, biltong is cured with the help of vinegar. Salty-sweet bakkwa is
popular in China. Carne seca is eaten in Mexico. Dendeng is dried via frying
and is beloved in Indonesia. Beef jerky is called sukuti in Nepal. Here is a list of six interesting facts about beef jerky:
Invention and Purpose of Beef Jerky
It is estimated that beef jerky was discovered in 1550 by
the Quechua people. The reason behind its invention is obvious as we all know
that the necessity is the mother of invention. In previous times, there wasn’t
any refrigerator, and people in most parts of the world depended mainly on
hunting. The animals which were to be hunted came once or twice a year in
flocks. So people used to hunt as many animals as they could.
The problem was how to secure the meat for winter when there
would be no animals which can be hunted. Thus this recipe was developed.
Another important purpose of meat jerky was to provide people food when they
were traveling. They were constantly worried about the food on the way. Thus
beef jerky was a good option.
Variations
The preparation of meat jerky isn’t restricted to any single
animal. It can be made from pork, salmon, and many other animals. The way it is
prepared also varies. The traditional way of preparing it is by removing all
the fat and then converting the meat into little slices. Salt is then applied
on these slices and then after drying it, it is ready. On the other hand, many
commercial companies that are now preparing beef jerky use different
techniques. For instance, some manufacturers grind the meat first and this meat
is spread thinly in the form of flat shapes. There are other companies which
use the traditional methods.
The addition of different spices in it is also a new
phenomenon as it is made more delicious by the addition of different spices.
People can choose from different flavors. If you want to try different flavors
of beef jerky, you can explore it and many other products on Groupon, which are
available at discounted prices.
Growing Industry
The industry of beef jerky is not a small one. You might be
thinking that it is prepared only on a local basis because most people don’t
know about it. It is a far bigger business than you can think of. The amount of
money that this business involves is more than $2.5 billion only in America. It
is noticed that the beef jerky companies are still growing. Slim Jim is a very
well-known company that supplies beef jerky all around the United States.
Wine Companion in Rome
The beef jerky not only developed in the American areas but
also in Rome. Initially, the jerky was made with horse or donkey meat in the
Rome. But, now it is usually made from pork. Different spices like red pepper
and other chilies are added to the pork meat and finally, it is dried. If you
get a chance to visit Rome, you will see many places where wine will be served
along with beef jerky.
Lean Meat
Beef jerky is also considered lean meat and it contains a
high amount of proteins. During the drying process, the meat loses two third of
its original weight because all the moisture is removed during the drying
process. The resulting meat is very lean but very rich in nutritional
components. Another interesting thing is that you will eat a significant amount
of meat jerky without even realizing it because it is a very light food.
Space Food
The most interesting thing about beef jerky is that for
different centuries it was considered a travel food, and it still is.
Previously when any food resource wasn’t available on the way, people used to
carry beef jerky with them. Today when we send astronauts to space knowing that
there is no hotel on the way we can give them beef jerky to eat. This is an
extraordinary and highly compelling parallel that we can draw from the ancient
world and the latest space travels with the help of beef jerky.
“I'm pretty, but tough
like a diamond or beef jerky in a ball gown.” (Titus Andromedon)[i]
[i]Sources used:
·
“10 Things
You Didn't Know About Beef Jerky” By The Daily Meal
· “6 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BEEF JERKY” by Joe Cole
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