JOY FOR JERKY: GET CLUED UP WITH THESE TOP FACTS THIS WORLD JERKY DAY
In recent years, more Brits than ever are adopting protein-heavy diets. For some, even the very best protein bars and balls are hard to digest, fearing they might taste artificial or too sweet.
For those that opt for savoury snacks, jerky is a delicious alternative for a much-needed protein hit.
Jerky sales rose recently due to more and more people realising the obvious health benefits of this type of snack and the fact that it can be included in special diets, like the keto diet.
To celebrate World Jerky Day (Friday 12th June), we’ve pulled together a list of the top facts you did not know about the meaty snack!
TOP NINE BEEF JERKY FACTS
“Jerky” is a word derived from the Spanish word charqui, which came from the Quechua (a Native South American language) word ch’arki, which means to char (meat).
Jerky is a means to preserve meat without refrigeration.
Traditionally, meat was dried, smoked and then salted. Marinading is another technique used to add additional flavouring.
Beef is the most common type of jerky, however due to the increasing popularity of the snack, you can also find jerky from wild game such as venison, elk, caribou, and moose. Even kangaroo meat!
Jerky quality varies greatly and depends on the choice of meat, the preservatives, and the preservation technique.
A good jerky is very lean; fat usually causes spoilage.
Nutritionally, jerky is low in fat and high in protein. A single serving can contain up to 15 grams of protein (25% of the daily value).
The best-selling jerky is Jack Link’s. Jack Link’s beef Jerky is made only using select rump beef, which is cut into thin strips. These are then seasoned carefully with the special family recipe using selected ingredients. Finally, the thin beef strips are dried and smoked slowly in hot air – in the traditional way.
Using only 100% lean beef and less than 80 calories per serving, the protein-rich snack is available in Original, Sweet & Hot and Teriyaki.
Beef Jerky is astronaut food! NASA has been providing Space shuttle crews this lightweight high protein treat since the mid-nineties.
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky (Original, Sweet & Hot, Teriyaki – 25g) is available from all major supermarkets, RRP £1.50 25g pack
