When thinking of self-sufficiency and long-term food storage, what foods come to mind? Many think of canned foods, dried carbohydrates, and of course, bottled water. It’s also likely beef jerky will be another food at the top of the “stock pile” list.
During the 1820s, cowboys would sun dry, smoke, and salt meat while herding cattle. This practice provided these working men with a portable, protein-rich snack. However, the process of making dried meats is documented as far back as the Ancient Egyptians and Incan Empire!1 The Incans referred to jerky as “ch’arki,” which literally translates to “dried meat” in the Quechuan language2.
Countless cultures have relied on drying and curing meat as a way to preserve their food supply. Preparing jerky has been a practical and inexpensive way to keep food for centuries. So, during a time of supply shortages and inflation, why buy pre-packaged jerky at a higher price, when you can make this homemade, shelf-stable snack yourself at a cheaper cost?
Not only is jerky nutrient dense, light weight, and delicious, but it’s also a very versatile food. A variety of meats can be used for making jerky, such as beef, poultry, and venison. Likewise, there are a variety of flavor options when you season your jerky. You can keep it basic, or get fancy if you like!
One more point that can’t be forgotten… jerky is a delicious and healthy food for your pets as well! Supply shortages don’t just affect us humans, after all.
Old-fashioned doesn’t have to mean outdated or irrelevant.
Jerky for humans:
Simple recipe - https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/simple-beef-jerky-recipe/
Peppered - https://groundbeefjerky.com/peppered-beef-jerky-recipe/
Teriyaki - https://www.thespruceeats.com/teriyaki-beef-jerky-recipe-1805863
36 Flavors - https://morningchores.com/beef-jerky-recipes/
Jerky for dogs:
https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/homemade-beef-jerky-dogs/
https://www.rover.com/blog/make-dog-jerky-treats/
Jerky Universe (2022, Apr 18). Where Does Beef Jerky Come From? Beef Jerky History, Retrieved December 26, 2022: https://beefjerky.com/blogs/news/beef-jerky-history
N.A. (N.A.). HISTORY OF JERKY, Retrieved December 26, 2022. https://www.jerky.com/pages/history-of-jerky