We can all agree on this when it comes to beef sweet jerky: fresh jerky is wonderful no matter what flavour you want. Whether you purchase in bulk or just one box at a time, understanding how to store beef jerky properly can keep your hoard at its freshest and most flavourful.
The shelf life of beef jerky is determined by various elements, the most important of which is the number of preservatives in your jerky. Whether you’re keeping store-bought jerky that uses preservatives to keep it fresher for longer or nitrate-free homemade jerky with no additives, preserving beef jerky isn’t tricky.
Increasing the Shelf Life of Beef Sweet Jerky
We’ve all been there: hungry and hunting through the cupboard for a snack that would fulfil our yearning for something salty, savoury, and tasty. You are excited when you discover a bag of partly eaten jerky lurking in the back. That euphoria, however, is short-lived when you realise your prospective snack is as hard as a rock and developing hairy things.
While nothing lasts forever, there are a few basic ways to preserve sweet BBQ jerky that can help you get the most out of your jerky – and prevent you from the letdown above the next time you’re looking for a snack.
Tips for Storing Beef Sweet Jerky
Unopened jerky must be kept in a cold, dry area, such as a cupboard or drawer. Because heat and sunlight can affect the freshness and taste of beef jerky, keeping it in a dark and cool place can help it last longer. Unopened jerky that has been vacuum-sealed (as opposed to a nitrogen back flush – imagine puffy packets of jerky with the oxygen absorber) is less vulnerable to germs and lasts longer.
Refrigerate the Beef Jerky
Refrigeration is essential for storing beef jerky once it has been opened. Once the seal breaks down, beef jerky must be kept cold to retain its texture, flavour, and freshness. To keep your jerky fresh for up to a week, throw it in a zip-lock bag and press out all the air before refrigerating.
Freeze the Beef Jerky
Freezing beef jerky is preferable if you’re planning to wait to consume it. If frozen correctly, beef jerky has a shelf life of 7 to 12 months. Packages that have been vacuum-sealed may be frozen as is. To avoid freezer burn, store opened bags or bags full of air in an airtight container. Pro tip: For future reference, date and label your jerky.
Can Beef Jerky Be Frozen for Long-Term Storage?
Without a doubt! All you have to do is do it right. Keep your dried meats in the freezer in an unopened airtight container for a long time. And exactly how long will beef jerky last? It is dependent on a few factors. Frozen beef jerky and snap sticks may survive up to 12 months on average, whereas biltong lasts around eight months.
The shelf life of frozen beef strips is also affected by variables such as internal temperature and water activity in your refrigerator. The best technique to ensure food safety is to ensure the meat is tightly wrapped before storage. If you buy our pork strips online, they arrive in vacuum-sealed containers to keep moisture in and air out. Leaving the bag unopened and frozen is a good idea if you wish to keep any for later.
How Long Will Beef Jerky Last?
The shelf life of sweet BBQ jerky varies depending on whether it is handmade or purchased. In general, commercial beef jerky should be consumed within a year.
To experience the excellent flavour and textures of the jerky, we suggest eating it within six months after purchase.
Keeping homemade beef jerky in an airtight container after creating it should last one to two months. Beef jerky will be kept in a Ziplock container in your cupboard for approximately a week. And, if you keep your beef jerky in the fridge, it will survive for one to two weeks.
How to Determine Whether Beef Jerky Is Still Fresh
It’s only sometimes simple to discern whether beef jerky is safe to consume. Unlike cooked meat, which develops an odour if not eaten quickly, beef jerky does not necessarily display apparent indications of deterioration.
If the colour of the beef jerky has changed, or it has become darker or tougher, it may have gone wrong. In rare situations, rotten beef jerky may emit a faint odour.
Check the expiry date on the packaging whether you bought the beef jerky online or in-store. The expiry date is usually printed on the bag’s bottom seal. But remember that just because the beef jerky is beyond its best-by date doesn’t imply it’s hazardous to consume. The best-by date shows when the jerky is at its peak of freshness.
Check the sweet jerky brands packaging for any rips or tears as well. If you see any, it might mean the jerky has gone wrong due to moisture entering the bag.
In Summary
Now that you’ve learned how to store beef sweet jerky, munch responsibly and securely! While some make some of the greatest beef jerky in town, we recommend consuming the best delightful snacks in moderation and as part of a nutritious, balanced diet. So, be prudent and save some of that delectable sweet BBQ jerky, unique truffle, and spicy beef jerky for later!
