Biltong is a beloved South African delicacy that offers a delicious way to satisfy your cravings while providing a healthy, protein-rich snack. If you love biltong but don't eat it all right away, it's important to know how to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty. In this guide, we'll explore the best practices for storing biltong and share tips on how to spot signs of spoilage.

Can Biltong Spoil?

Even though biltong is dried meat, originally meant to be stored and eaten over a long period, it can still spoil if not stored properly. A few hundred years ago, families and travellers would hang-dry their biltong in the sun and eat it over time. But today, we're more cautious and have the benefit of scientific knowledge to guide us on best practices. Drying meat is a special process that gives it unique properties, and if not handled correctly, it can spoil.

Here are the reasons biltong can go bad:

1. Moisture: If biltong is not stored in an airtight container or is exposed to high humidity, it can absorb moisture from the environment. This excess moisture can lead to mould and bacteria growth, causing spoilage.
2. Temperature: Storing biltong at temperatures outside the recommended range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) can speed up spoilage. Higher temperatures can promote bacterial growth, while lower temperatures can cause condensation and moisture buildup.
3. Light Exposure: Direct exposure to sunlight or other light sources can degrade the quality of biltong and promote oxidation, leading to off-flavours and spoilage. Ingredients like vinegar, black pepper, and coriander in biltong can't withstand direct light, which accelerates the oxidation process and causes physical changes.
4. Microbial Growth: Although the manufacturing process and curing ingredients help inhibit microbial growth, improper storage can still allow harmful microorganisms like Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella to grow, causing spoilage and potential health risks.

How to Know If Biltong Has Spoiled

Here are some indicators that your biltong has gone bad:

1. Texture Changes: If your biltong becomes excessively tough, brittle, slimy, or sticky, it's a sign of spoilage. These texture changes can result from improper drying, moisture absorption, or microbial activity.
2. Unpleasant Odours: A sour or ammonia-like smell is a clear sign that biltong has spoiled. These odours usually indicate bacterial growth or chemical changes.
3. Mould Growth: While some white or greyish mould might appear during curing, fuzzy or discoloured mould means spoilage and should be avoided.

Facts to Know About Biltong

Our Expert Guide to Store Biltong

This guide reveals the best ways to extend your biltong's shelf life so you can enjoy its deliciousness for as long as possible.

Use Airtight Containers and Resealable Bags

Store biltong in airtight containers or resealable bags. These help prevent moisture absorption and keep out off-odours. While paper bags can be good for short-term storage in a dry environment, they aren't ideal for long-term storage due to potential moisture absorption and lack of protection.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep biltong in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range is between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).

Avoid Refrigeration

It's not recommended to store biltong in the fridge. The intermediate moisture content means refrigeration isn't necessary and can actually cause quality issues. Moisture can condense on the surface, leading to excess moisture absorption, microbial growth, texture changes, loss of flavour, and mould growth if too much moisture is absorbed.

Maintain Relative humidity

Keep the relative humidity at 60% or less in the storage area to prevent mould and bacterial growth. Make sure there are no leaking pipes or condensation. Avoid unwanted appliances like dryers, washing machines, and some unconventional heaters, as they can release significant moisture into the air, especially in a confined space. Also, avoid storing wet or damp items in the storage area. Ensure everything is completely dry before placing it in storage.

Keep Biltong Away from Strong-Smelling Foods

Store biltong away from strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb those aromas and alter its taste. No one wants their biltong to taste like Stilton cheese (or do they?).

Monitor The Texture

Over time, biltong will naturally get drier as the remaining moisture leaves the meat. However, it shouldn't become softer than when you first opened it, nor should it become fuzzy or change colour. Watch for concerning changes like biltong becoming tough, brittle, slimy, or sticky.

Check for Off-putting Smells

If you notice sour, rancid, or ammonia-like odours, it's a sign that the biltong has spoiled.

Inspect for Mould Growth

While some white or greyish mould might appear during the curing process, discard the biltong if you see any fuzzy or discoloured mould growth on the meat itself.

Follow the Recommended Moisture Content Range

Maintain the recommended moisture content range for biltong, which is 20-50% for intermediate moisture meat products. When stored under these conditions, biltong can last for 3-6 months without significant microbial risks.

Vacuum Sealing Biltong

Vacuum sealing is a great way to preserve biltong, extending its shelf life and maintaining its quality. By removing air and creating an airtight environment, vacuum sealing blocks exposure to oxygen, which helps prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.

Additionally, it controls moisture levels, preserving the biltong's texture and flavour. Vacuum-sealed packaging also protects against contaminants, ensuring hygiene and safety. 

Practically, vacuum-sealed biltong can be stored at room temperature for several weeks to months. If refrigerated, it can last several months, and if frozen, it can last over a year without significant quality loss.

This method offers convenience, portion control, and flexibility in storage options, making it an excellent choice for preserving biltong's freshness and taste.

Storing Biltong vs Beef Jerky

When it comes to storing biltong and jerky, both have different preparation methods that affect their spoilage rates and storage needs.

Biltong: For short-term storage, biltong can be kept in paper bags in a dry, cool environment. For long-term storage, use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. In humid climates, refrigeration is recommended. Biltong also needs some air circulation outside of airtight containers to prevent mould growth.

Beef Jerky: Beef jerky can be stored in resealable plastic or paper bags in a cool, dry place for short-term storage. For long-term storage, use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Its lower moisture content allows it to be stored at room temperature longer than biltong, reducing the risk of spoilage.

That being said, biltong comes in many shapes and sizes, and everyone has different preferences. Some people like their biltong rare, dried for a shorter time with higher moisture content, while others prefer it drier, which locks in the beefy taste. Fat content is another variable; some prefer fattier biltong. These preferences affect storage requirements and shelf life. Low-fat, drier biltong lasts longer and has a lower risk of spoiling.

Storing Biltong at Room Temperature

Biltong can usually be kept at room temperature for about 4 to 7 days if the environment is dry and cool, and it's stored in a breathable container like a paper bag that allows air circulation. However, its shelf life depends on a few conditions:

• Humidity: High humidity can lead to mould growth, so it's important to keep the environment dry.
• Air Circulation: Proper air circulation helps keep biltong dry and prevents mould.
• Moisture Content: Biltong with higher moisture content is more prone to spoilage compared to drier biltong.

Sources:

1. How processing methods can significantly impact biltong's nutritional content.
2. A comprehensive review of drying meat products and the associated effects and changes
3. Dehydrated meat products: A review