Guide Note

Jerky is made from beef, salmon, tofu, turkey, buffalo, elk, cactus and a number of other meats. You can buy jerky from a store or make your own.

The art of drying meat and fruits is one of the oldest types of preservation known to man. By drying the meat it made it last longer since there were not many ways to keep your food fresh like there are today.

Fast Facts

1. The word Jerky comes from the term Charqui, a Quechua word that means dried meat
2. Important to follow safety guidelines when making jerky
3. Occasionally sun dried or salted
4. Does not require refrigeration

1. Oven drying
2. Sun drying
3. Microwave
4. Dehydrating
5. Smoking

1. Choose lean cuts of meat
2. Trim meat well
3. Remove tough parts like gristle and tendons
4. Partially freeze before cutting
5. Cut with the grain
6. Refrigerate while marinating
7. When drying low heat and proper air circulation are critical
8. Cool completely before storing