What Is Biltong? The Essential Guide To The Tastiest South African Snack

Biltong is South Africa's favorite snack, popularly known for its flavor and high-protein content. To many people, it is more than just a snack; it was part of their culture. But what exactly is biltong, and why does it capture the taste buds of so many? This guide will go through everything that you need to know about biltong-from its origins to its health benefits and why it's finding a way into your global snacks basket.

What Is Biltong?

Biltong is a type of meat product that goes under the process of drying and curing; its origins are from South Africa. The word "biltong" originates from the Dutch words "bil" meaning buttock or meat, and "tong," which means strip. Typically, biltong is made from beef, but sometimes other game meats of ostrich, venison, or even chicken can be used.

Unlike the common North American beef jerky, biltong has undergone a special curing process. The meat is set in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices such as coriander and pepper, then air-dried for a few days. This does not only treat the meat but also gives it flavor. Brief History of Biltong

Biltong has a lot of history dating back to the earliest settlers in South Africa. The first Dutch pioneers, otherwise known as the Voortrekkers, were able to dry meat in the sun when traveling across the country. This was the most basic method of storing protein foods for an incredibly long period without refrigeration. As time passed, the method evolved by adding vinegar and spices, giving birth to what we have today as biltong.

How Is Biltong Made?

Making biltong is quite easy, but it does take time and requires attention to detail. Here is a brief breakdown of how it's made:

Meat Selection: In general, high cuts of meat such as silverside and topside are popular in the making of biltong. The meat needs to be cut into thick strips because when the meat dries, there should not be any loss in moisture.

• Marination: The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, typically from apple cider or malt, mixed with salt and spices. Some typical spices include coriander, black pepper, and cloves.

• Curing: The meat starts to cure for hours after being set in the marinade. Conventionally, it air-dries by hanging in some cool and dry place for 3 to 7 days, depending on the thickness of the meat and based on how much dryness is preferred.

• Slicing and Packaging: It gets sliced into the final product once it is dried. This meat may be used in salads or in cookery as a snack.

Biltong Vs Jerky: What's The Difference?

Despite both biltong and jerky being dried meats, they are actually quite different in a number of ways, which includes:

• Drying Process: While the biltong is usually cured in the air, jerky may be smoked or dehydrated.

• Thickness: Biltong is thicker as compared to the thickness of jerky, which results in a much tenderer bite.

• Seasoning: Biltong has a high dependency on vinegar and coriander in terms of giving it flavor while the jerky is sweet with teriyaki or barbecue kind of marinades.

Health Benefits Of Biltong

Biltong isn't just tasty but highly nutritious too; therefore, it also appeals to a group of people in the area of fitness too, as well as for those looking for a healthier option for snacking. Some of the key benefits include:

• High in Protein: A 25g serving can contain as much as 15g of protein, making it a good post-workout snack.

• Low in Carbs: By nature, it is low in carbs and hence ideal for diets that are either low-carb or ketogenic in nature.

• Nutrient-Dense: Biltong contains essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12 in a considerable amount.

How To Enjoy Biltong

Just about anything you can think of, biltong is super versatile; it can be consumed in many ways. A few popular ideas include: 

• As a Snack: The most common way people enjoy biltong is straight out of the package as a protein-rich snack.

• In Salads: Add thinly sliced pieces of biltong into salads for an extra layer of flavor.

• With Drinks: Biltong goes really well with a glass of wine or beer, hence it's a very good option for parties or casual get-togethers.

Where Can You Buy Biltong?

Because of its ever-growing popularity, it is no longer a delicacy restricted to only South Africa. You can find it in food stores, online shops-even main grocery stores carry it. And yes, you can make your own biltong with just a few ingredients and a pinch of patience if you feel so game for it!

Conclusion

Biltong has grown into much more than just a snack; it is a delectable morsel of South African culture that has spread across the face of the world. Whether a person is a serious veteran or a newbie in the world of biltong, uniqueness in flavor, simplicity in ingredients, and a set of health benefits make it a treat to try. So, the next time you're snacking and you want something savory, go for the high-protein snack-biltong!