Know This Difference Before You Buy It: Between Biltong And Beef Jerky South Africa!

Introduction

Of course, when it comes to savoury snacks, biltong and beef jerky in South Africa always have the central attention, though many do not know that there is a wide difference between such favourite products. Some helpful knowledge on these differences will add to your snacking experience and allow you to decide exactly which one to pick when shopping. Let's look into the uniqueness of biltong and beef jerky so you will be prepared about what to look for when you start shopping.

Origins and Cultural Significance

Biltong is the name for a long-standing snack from South Africa. The word "biltong" comes from the Afrikaans words "bil," meaning buttock, and "tong," referring to strip. Beef jerky, on the other hand, is an Indigenous North and South American creation, named after the Quechua word "charka," or dried, salted meat. Both snacks reflect their cultural backgrounds and have gained popularity worldwide, but the preparation methods and flavours distinguish them.

Ingredients and Flavor Profiles

While both biltong and beef jerky mainly use beef as the main ingredient, the cuts and additional ingredients used vary greatly.


  1. Biltong: This South African delicacy can be prepared using different cuts of meat, including lean and fatty ones. The meat is marinated in a combination of vinegar, salt, and straightforward spices before air drying for several days. Curing gives a tangy flavour profile that enhances the natural flavours of the meat. Compared to jerky, the flavour of biltong is more potent and even meaty, and it has a chewy texture that relies on the percentage of fats in the used cut of meat.


  1. Beef Jerky: Made typically with very thin cuts of beef, which are marinated in an assortment of spices, sauces, and occasionally sugars to be dried under low temperature. Heat usually is also involved, but it may impart the distinct smokiness in beef jerky. The flavour tends to shift significantly according to the chosen marinade but leans towards sweetness or spiciness according to soy sauce or any other added form of condiment, including Worcestershire sauce.

Production Techniques

The production processes for biltong and beef jerky are different in many ways:

  1. Biltong: Biltong is ready to be eaten after being marinated for nearly 24 hours, then left to hang and dry on hooks for one to seven days. This form of drying takes a longer time for the moisture content to evaporate through aerodynamic drying but does not require heat, and the final product will be quite tender but all the same tasty as compared to jerky in as much as it is much drier with less moisture content.

  2. Beef Jerky: However, jerky is prepared from tender pieces that are sliced thinly and then slowly prepared through baking or by use of food dehydrators. This continues to cook the meat and eliminate the moisture quickly and can be chewier than biltong, though that is not always the case.

Differences in Nutrition

  • When it comes to nutrition, biltong is usually better than beef jerky. 

  • Biltong tends to be lower in sugar and does not contain added preservatives or artificial ingredients. 

  • It depends on natural flavours from vinegar and spices, making it a healthier choice for people who are concerned about their sugar intake. 

  • Furthermore, since biltong holds more moisture during its processing, it tends to have a higher protein content per serving compared to jerky.

Go ahead and try both for an unforgettable experience!

Knowing the differences between biltong and beef jerky in South Africa can significantly enhance your snacking choices. While both offer delicious flavours and convenient portability, their distinct preparation methods, flavour profiles, and nutritional values cater to different preferences. Whether it is the tart richness of biltong or the smoky sweetness of beef jerky, knowing and understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision next time you are at the store or exploring new culinary experiences

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