Beef jerky is one of the most popular and commonly consumed snacks the world over. Some ask, though, what makes beef jerky so delicious? Well, precisely, that is what this article will hope to tell you and explain how beef jerky is made, what it is made out of [besides the obvious], and where it originates from.
Beef jerky’s original name, which stems from the Quechua language, is ‘ch’arki,’ which, when translated, means salted and dried meat, which, in our opinion, is a very apt description.
Now, without further ado, here is what makes beef jerky so delicious!
Nutritional Benefits
When discussing a delicious snack, it’s important first to discuss its nutritional benefits. Most snacks are undeniably bad for you. Beef jerky, however, is quite the opposite. Generally speaking, in moderation, beef jerky is quite healthy. The nutrients that follow are calculated from half an ounce of beef jerky:
- Calories: 58
- Protein 4.7g
- Fat: 3.65g
- Carbs: 1.55g
- Fibre: 0.25g
- Zinc: 10.5% of your recommended Daily Intake
- Phosphorous: 4.5% of your Daily Intake
- Folate: 4.5% of your Daily Intake
- Vitamin B12: 6% of your Daily Intake
- Copper: 3.5% of your Daily Intake
- Iron: 4% of your Daily Intake
- Choline: 3% of your Daily Intake
- Potassium: 2% of your Daily Intake
- Thiamine: 2% of your Daily Intake
The beef jerky’s high mineral content can boost your immune system and increase your energy levels. Additionally, beef jerky can also provide small amounts of pantothenic acid, manganese, and molybdenum, which can have health benefits. Because beef jerky has a higher ratio of protein to carbohydrates, it is more nutritional than other snacks and is suited to different low-carb diets.
Because of how it is prepared, it has a very long shelf life [although it has a lot of sodium content, which we will discuss later]. It can be stored easily, transferred, and eaten while on the go.
How is Beef Jerky Prepared, and Why is It So Tasty?
Many people wonder, how is beef jerky prepared, and if I make it at home, will it be as tasty? The answer is yes! It really isn’t that difficult. When preparing your beef jerky, you have a lot of creative freedom, for according to the experts of all things jerky at ManlyManCo.com, there are several different flavor profiles you can choose from. This author’s favorite is chipotle.
As for the preparation and creation of jerky, you can use a lean cut of beef, such as a bottom round, sirloin tip, or even a flank steak. You want to slice the beef into very thin slices. Once you have sliced the meat, marinate the meat in whatever seasonings you choose, pat the pieces dry, and place the jerky inside a meat dehydrator for four to five hours.
If you do not have a meat dehydrator, you can use an oven for around four to five hours. It is recommended that you allow beef jerky to dehydrate at room temperature for approximately twenty-four hours before packaging it and eating it. You should freeze it if you do not plan on eating it within a week.
Beef jerky is so tasty because of the delicious natural flavors that are brought out by the preparation process and the seasonings used in the creation of beef jerky.
Consume in Moderation
However, it is important to remember, despite its nutrition content, to consume beef jerky in moderation. Beef jerky is very high in salt, and excessive salt intake can damage your heart health, increase your risk of stroke, and raise your blood pressure.
For this reason, it is essential to consume beef jerky moderately, and while it is a delicious snack, you should not substitute it for meat in meals or consume it excessively. Once or twice a week is fine.
Origin
As we know it today, beef jerky came to be when conquistadors arrived on South American shores. The natives there were experts in preserving meats. The Spanish introduced beef jerky throughout the world and fell in love with it. It is a delicious snack now and was then too.
Beef jerky is a great and delicious snack that can be incorporated into a healthy diet; it is a healthy source of many minerals and vitamins. You can make it on your own or buy it from the shop. It is a very convenient snack, and a great pick me up when you travel or go on long hikes.
With the help of this page, you now know a few things about beef jerky. Beef jerky is absolutely delicious and can be part of a healthy diet, so why not give it a go? As has been stressed throughout this article, consume it moderately.
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