Beef jerky is an ideal snack. But how do you store it, and how long does it last? Keep reading for beef jerky storing and shelf life tips.
If you are one of those people who love constantly grabbing something to eat, then beef jerky is a tasty and healthy solution for your cravings. Furthermore, beef jerky doesn’t require refrigeration, so it is truly the most convenient snack to have when you are in a rush or on the move. This, however, does not mean that beef jerky lasts forever.
Read on to find all the answers to the questions you have on when beef jerky expires and how you should store it.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last?
This is the first question most people ask, and the answer depends on where the beef jerky is from. This means that homemade or store-bought jerky has different expiration dates. Check out https://jerkybrands.com/ to get your hands on different types of delicious jerky to fulfill your cravings.
To give you a general idea, commercial beef jerky is meant to be eaten within one year. However, over that time, the taste will deteriorate, and so it is recommended that you eat it within the first six months. On the other hand, homemade beef jerky is going to last for around one to two months if you seal it in an airtight container after preparing it. A ziplock bag will make it last for about a week, and the fridge can extend that to about two weeks.
How Do I Know if the Beef Jerky Is Still Good?
Beef jerky is one of those food items that are hard to tell whether they are still good or not. This is especially because, unlike other meat, beef jerky does not give off a foul odor and doesn’t show strong signs of being spoiled.
You can try checking the color of the jerky. If it’s getting any darker or the texture is harder than before, then these indicate that the jerky may have gone bad. Spoiled jerky can have an odor sometimes, but it’s not very noticeable.
It is highly recommended that you check the expiration date of the jerky before eating it. Furthermore, make sure that there are no tears in the package because otherwise, the jerky has probably gone bad due to moisture entering the package. Be careful not to eat moldy jerky as it will get you sick and will leave a foul taste on your tongue.
How Should I Store Beef Jerky?
Considering you’ve bought yourself a bunch of beef jerky already, it is not surprising if you don’t know the best ways to store it. Proper storage is a must if you want to keep the jerky healthy for the longest time possible. Below, you’ll see some of the methods you can use:
Vacuum Seal Bags
Using a vacuum seal bag is probably the best method for storing beef jerky. These bags keep all the air out and the moisture in so that your jerky retains its soft and tender texture without spoiling.
The downside of using a vacuum seal bag is that it can be quite expensive. However, if you think that you’ll be having a lot of beef jerky and other foods that require the bag, then it’s well worth the investment. Additionally, you can put the jerky in a refrigerator so that it lasts even longer, as much as a year or more.
Dry Cans or Mason Jars
Storing your beef jerky in a dry can or a mason jar will help you keep it preserved for several months. This is a much cheaper method than a vacuum seal bag.
To store it properly, first set the oven to 350F. Take the lids of the jars and set them on a cooking sheet. Keep the jars in the oven for around 10 minutes and use mitts to remove them. Place the jerky stripes inside them quickly.
Lastly, put the lids back on the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature. This will completely seal the jar, and you can safely keep it on pantry shelves or inside the fridge.
Ziplock/Paper Bags
These bags will keep the jerky fresh for about three to four weeks. This method is usually used when you are traveling with jerky or in a situation where you don’t have proper storage. You can also consider adding a desiccant bag if the jerky is too moist.
How Can I Make Jerky Last Longer?
Now that we’ve talked about how you should store the jerky, here are some tips to keep it from spoiling longer.
Trim Off The Fat
Fat is the culprit when it comes to food spoiling quicker, so you should learn how to trim off the fat before you begin drying the jerky.
Cures to Extend Life
A lot of commercial jerky producers tend to use a ‘cure’ that is made with sodium nitrate and helps keep the jerky fresh for over a year or so. This is mainly because the sodium nitrate keeps the bacteria away, so buying a cure is worth the investment.
Avoid Sunlight
The beef jerky is meant to be kept in a cool and dry environment such as the pantry. Keeping the jerky out in direct sunlight will make mold grow in it due to condensation inside the bag.
Dry It Properly
The better you dry the jerky, the longer it’s bound to last. This does not mean that you should over-dry it, though, as that will make the jerky chewy, and it will lose the soft texture it once had.
In Conclusion
Now that we’ve told you so much about storing beef jerky and its shelf life, you are surely prepared to keep your jerky in a safe and healthy condition. As with all foods, eating it when it is spoiled will lead to you getting sick, so make sure to keep yourself healthy! We hope that this article helps you keep your beef jerky preserved for a long time. Good luck!
