Biltong is more than just a snack; it’s a mouthwatering experience rooted in South African culinary tradition. This tasty African treat is a high-protein, low-carb snack. It is quickly becoming popular with people who want healthy snacks!
Key Insights
- Biltong is a traditional beef biltong snack from South Africa, crafted using traditional methods.
- It’s often made from cuts of beef, although game meats can also be used.
- Our biltong contains simple ingredients: strips of British & Irish grass-fed beef, vinegar, salt, and a spice mix.
- It's a naturally high-protein, low-carb, and low-fat content snack.
- It's an iron and vitamin B3 source.
So, What is Biltong?
At its core, biltong is made from air-dried strips of meat or a curing process. The Original Biltong Company carefully air-dries our premium-grade beef from British and Irish grass-fed cattle.
This process guarantees a fully traceable product that’s not only delicious but also ethically responsible. We’re committed to offering a nutritious snack that fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
Biltong’s Rich History and Culinary Tradition
The history of biltong stretches back to ancient times in Southern Africa, where early indigenous communities needed ways to preserve meat.
This culinary tradition has evolved over generations, with families passing down their unique recipes. The result? A delicious and enduring snack that continues to delight.
Differences Between Biltong and Beef Jerky
Biltong is often compared to Beef jerky. However, there are key differences:
- Preparation: Our marinating process involves a mixture of vinegar and natural spices, followed by a slower drying time.
- Texture: Biltong is known for its softer texture than the often tougher jerky.
- Flavour: The combination of vinegar, salt, and spices provides a distinct flavour that sets biltong apart.
Which is healthier biltong or jerky?
Biltong stands out as a more nutritious choice than beef jerky.
The Delicious Benefits
Biltong isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits that make it a smart snack choice:
- High-Protein, Low-Carb: Ideal for those following low-carb diets or the keto diet.
- Nutrient-Rich Source: A good source of iron and Vitamin B3.
- Low Calorie: Biltong is naturally low in calories as it loses 60% of its weight in the drying process.
The Drying Process Explained
After marinating and seasoning, the meat undergoes the most critical step—a slow drying process. This is where biltong gets its distinctive taste and texture. In the past, people would hang meat strips in dry, airy spaces, letting it air-dry naturally. This slow method dries the meat without cooking, which can take several days to a few weeks. This helps it stay soft and full of flavour.
The main goal of drying is to remove enough moisture to keep the meat fresh, tender, and chewy. Today, many makers use unique drying rooms. These rooms control temperature and air circulation, ensuring every piece is dried safely and evenly. The result? Biltong that’s consistent, safe, and still has its traditional taste.
Once the drying is done, the cuts of meat are checked to ensure they have the right firmness and dryness. Then, it’s either sliced thin for an easy, high-protein, low-carb meat snack or cut into thick chunks for those who like a bigger bite. You can eat it straight from the bag or add it to your favourite meals!
Why Choose The Original Biltong Company?
When you buy from us, you're choosing:
- Quality Biltong: Crafted with grass-fed beef and natural spices.
- Taste of Biltong: We follow traditional family recipes to ensure authentic biltong and a rich taste profile.
- Wide-Range of Flavours: We offer a variety of flavours to suit different preferences.
Explore our range of meat snacks and discover your favourite!
Preparing Our Biltong
The journey to the perfect texture of biltong and meat flavour begins with a meticulous selection of only the finest premium-grade beef biltong.
Every piece of beef marinates in our unique blend of malt vinegar and spices, including black pepper and coriander seeds, a process refined over generations.
This infusion of natural flavour ensures that each batch of The Original Biltong Company biltong delivers that distinctive taste our customers love.
Finally, we allow proper air circulation to create a traditional snack that will leave your taste buds wanting more!
The Best Lean Meat for Biltong
If you're thinking of making your biltong, selecting the proper cut of meat is crucial for a satisfying result. For the best tasty biltong, we recommend starting with lean pieces of slices of beef from your local butcher. Organic, grass-fed beef is ideal, as the grass-fed nature of the meat adds to the nutritional content and enhances the overall quality of your biltong.
Look for cuts like silverside (bottom round), which perfectly balance leanness and texture. Sirloin and top rounds are excellent choices for creating delicious, traditional biltong.
Storing Your Biltong
To best preserve the rich flavour profile and maintain its quality, store it in cool, dry air conditions away from direct sunlight.
Once opened, we recommend placing the biltong in airtight containers or cloth bags and consuming it within a few days for optimal freshness. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy our perfect biltong at its best.
Read this comprehensive guide on how to store biltong.
Fan Favourites: Our Most Sought-After Biltong
1. Original Biltong
The classic, must-try! Made with high-quality beef and a traditional blend of spices. A customer favourite.
3. Piri Piri Biltong
Adds a spicy kick to our traditional biltong recipe.
5. Garlic Biltong
Garlic lovers rejoice! This biltong infuses savoury garlic flavour into every bite.
7. Smoky BBQ Biltong
A smoky taste that perfectly complements the savoury biltong.
9. Big Taste Box
A selection of our delicious snacks and a great option to experience everything!
10. Original Droewors Bites
Tasty, small bites of cured sausage, perfect for a quick snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biltong good for you or not?
Many people ask the question: Is Biltong Healthy? The answer is: generally! It’s a high source of protein and low in carbs but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sodium content.
Where to buy biltong?
You can find our delicious biltong directly on our website. Check out our selection.
What is the shelf-life of unopened biltong packets?
Unopened packets typically last several months. However, after opening, it is best to eat within days to keep the fresh biltong with its best meat flavour. Always check the packaging for specific dates.
Are your snacks suitable for a keto diet?
Yes! Our biltong fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle due to its low carbohydrate content.
