Biltong is a form of cured meat that in South Africa is known as “the food of the gods.” Because it’s made using a traditional meat preservation technique, along with a variety of flavorful ingredients, it provides a unique taste that you won’t find anywhere else.
Biltong can be made with a variety of different meats
Traditionally beef is the most commonly used meat in biltong, because of its availability. However any type of red meat will work with the process – not just beef. Beef, pork, game, ostrich, turkey thigh meat, and even pigeon breasts have all been used to make biltong. Each type of meat provides a different and delicious flavor.
Biltong is thicker and more flavorful than jerky
One of the main differences between biltong and beef jerky is that biltong is made using much larger and thicker pieces of meat. The strips are generally cut to an inch thick and can be any length. It can also be dried to different textures, providing different flavor experiences. It can be dried completely, which leads to a crumbly, tougher texture. Most commonly it is cured to a medium dryness, which leaves it slightly moist in the center and provides a chewy, tender texture where the flavors can bounce around.
Biltong uses a variety of highly flavorful ingredients
While the meat itself has its own delicious flavor, the process of biltong involves adding many other things including vinegar, salt and other spices. Coriander, black pepper, brown sugar, seasalt, paprika, and garlic have all been commonly used. Because of the variety of flavors used, biltong never tastes like one simple thing. It’s never too salty and never too acidic from the vinegar. Instead, all of the flavors combined provide a unique and unforgettable taste.
Now that you know what makes biltong so delicious, head over to our biltong store online to try it out for yourself!