We think beef jerky is one of the greatest snacks of all time. High in protein, easily portable, shelf-stable, and downright delicious, it appeals to a variety of peoplefor a variety of reasons. In fact, we are living in a bit of a jerky renaissance. Even with growing popularity, there’s a lot of things youmay not know about this amazing snack.
Here are 7 of the most interested beef jerky facts.
Did you know...
1. Jerky has been around for a VERY long time.
The word “jerky” can be traced back to the ancient Quechuan word “ch'arki.”
Native Americans brought along jerky on long journeys for a protein-rich food.
Check out our History of Beef Jerky to learn more about jerky's rich and storied tradition.
2. Beef Jerky is an EXCELLENTsource of protein.
Beef jerky was used in the military after World War I as a source of protein for soldiers.
Women’s Health ranks beef jerky as 1 of 7 High Protein Snacks that "can help you lose weight."
Our Old Fashioned Original has 40g of protein per 2.5 ounce bag (16g of Protein Per 1 Ounce Serving).
3. Beef Jerky is a well-traveled snack.
4. Jerky and dried meats are a global culinary phenomenon.
Dried meat and jerky can be found around the world from Biltong in South Africa, Bakkwa in China, Carne Seca in Mexico, Dendeng in Indonesia, Sukuti in Nepal.
5. Jerky has even been a star in a movie (well, sort of).
Jerky was seen in the film “Dances With Wolves.” In one scene, Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) can be seen giving his wolf friend, Two Socks, what appears to be a piece of jerky.
6. Beef Jerky shrinks in size up to 3-1.
The process of dehydration can reduce the weight anywhere between 1/2 to 2/3 of the original weight. For example, 3 pounds of raw meat canshrink down to 1 pound.
The yield (going from bigger - smaller)is one of the reasons jerky can be so expensive, but also so nutritionally dense.
7. Beef Jerky is big business.
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About The Author
Sara Bianchetti
A food fanatic and lover of all things beef. You can find Sara loving on her dog Pearl, exploring new wine bars, or experimenting with makeup as she has an unhealthy obsession with all things beauty.
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FAQs
“Jerky” is derived from the Spanish word “Charqui,” which came from Quechua, a Native American language, and it means “to burn meat.” You can use almost any type of meat to make jerky. Although beef is most popular, you can find fish, moose, kangaroo, or even turtle jerky.
What is a fact about jerky? ›
“Jerky” is derived from the Spanish word “Charqui,” which came from Quechua, a Native American language, and it means “to burn meat.” You can use almost any type of meat to make jerky. Although beef is most popular, you can find fish, moose, kangaroo, or even turtle jerky.
How did jerky get its name? ›
Jerky is lean trimmed meat cut into strips and dehydrated to prevent spoilage. Normally, this drying includes the addition of salt to prevent bacteria growth. The word "jerky" derives from the Quechua word ch'arki which means "dried, salted meat".
What animal is jerky from? ›
While beef jerky is made from the meat from a cow, jerky can be made from a variety of animals and protein sources. There's pork jerky, chicken jerky, and turkey jerky.
How much weight is lost in making jerky? ›
Four pounds of fresh, trimmed meat will yield 1 pound of jerky, a lightweight dried meat product.
Why is jerky popular? ›
Since jerky doesn't spoil quickly, it's an excellent source of nutrients when you have limited food options. Dehydrated meat also doesn't require cooking, making you less reliant on appliances and electricity.
Why is jerky so high? ›
Even so, beef jerky is expensive. Beef jerky is so expensive because it uses a lot of quality meat to make just a little bit of jerky, the process takes resources and employees' time, and beef jerky producers often buy from the beef industry and the price of beef can be expensive.
What did cowboys call jerky? ›
The name char'qui eventually became “jerky”. Jerky allowed people to be able to store meat and then consume a high protein source when food was scarce. The early pioneers and cowboys came to rely on jerky as a main staple of their diet. Soon, various spices were added to enhance the flavors.
Is jerky healthy? ›
In short, though beef jerky is a healthy snack, its best consumed in moderation. Most of your diet should come from whole, unprocessed foods. Though beef jerky is healthy, avoid eating too much of it, as it's high in sodium and may come with the same health risks that are linked to eating processed meats.
Who made beef jerky first? ›
History of Jerky
Some say Native Americans made the first jerky (buffalo jerky) thousands of years ago, while others say an ancient Inca tribe called the Quechua made jerky as early as the 1500's. Whatever the case, this time-tested recipe has been passed from generation to generation.
While considered a poverty meal, it would be served in taverns with crusty bread. North American tribes often made what was called “Pemmican.” This blended together dried meat (burnt to a crisp, then pounded into tiny shards or even powdered form) with berries, fat from the meat, and whatever else they had.
Can humans eat jerky? ›
Beef jerky is an easy, on-the-go snack that packs high protein, zinc, and iron concentrations. Those nutrients are essential for overall health. Consuming beef jerky in moderation is key since processed and red meats can increase the risk of health complications.
What is deer jerky called? ›
Venison Jerky — Word of Mouth Magazine. Fall 2021, Wild Things, Recipes.
Is it OK to eat jerky everyday? ›
A Word From Verywell
Beef jerky is best consumed in moderation. Jerky is high in sodium and is a processed food. Those diagnosed with conditions such as hypertension or heart disease or who require a low-sodium diet should avoid excess consumption of beef jerky as a snack.
Is jerky good for fat loss? ›
Packed with protein, jerky offers a satisfying and filling option that can help control hunger and cravings, making it a great addition to any weight loss plan. Moreover, jerky is often low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for those who are watching their calorie intake.
How much jerky can you eat? ›
The American Cancer Society recommends limiting your intake of red and processed meats like beef jerky. That's because the World Health Organization has concluded that eating 50 grams of processed meat every day (about 2 to 3 large pieces of jerky) increases your risk for colon cancer by 18%.
What are the benefits of jerky? ›
In addition to being a good source of lean protein, beef jerky is rich in iron, folate, calcium and vitamins A and C. Because it's been preserved, beef jerky is a convenient on-the-go snack and can easily be tossed in a work bag for snacking emergencies.
What's the point of jerky? ›
A single beef jerky protein serving can provide a substantial portion of your daily needs, making it an excellent snack for post-workout recovery or a midday energy boost. Furthermore, jerky is low in fat, particularly saturated fat, when made from lean cuts of meat.
Is jerky actually healthy? ›
In short, though beef jerky is a healthy snack, its best consumed in moderation. Most of your diet should come from whole, unprocessed foods. Though beef jerky is healthy, avoid eating too much of it, as it's high in sodium and may come with the same health risks that are linked to eating processed meats.
Why is jerky made? ›
Traditionally, jerky was made using the sun, wind and smoke from fires to preserve and extend the shelf life of meat. Drying and smoking results in meat products that have a long storage life, allowing for the preservation of large amounts of meat that could be stored and consumed later.
