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Dried meat snacks have been popular for almost as long as history books themselves with mentions by the conquistadores during their travels to South America and 17th century Dutch settlers in South Africa.
For tribes, seafarers, explorers, and travellers, dried meat preserves were a matter of survival. Today, sports enthusiasts and overlanders reap the benefits these high-protein, low-fat, and durable snacks can offer—I’m talking about Biltong and Jerky.
DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER
At first glance, it’s easy to misconceive that Jerky and Biltong are the same food with different names—after all, it’s small bits of dried meat, right? Not quite. They differ in their origins, ingredients, processing, and often made from different cuts of meat.
Whereas ch’arki (aka Jerky) has its roots amongst the Quechua Indians in South America, and was traditionally prepared from cured llama meat which was then freeze-dried in the High Andes, Biltong stems from South Africa and was predominantly beef cured with salt before being hung out to dry in the sun for several weeks. The name biltong is derived from the Dutch words bil for buttock or meat and tong for tongue or strip.
EVOLUTION VS. TRADITION
Evolution has led to quite a change in how the highly popular jerky is produced, including cooking with spices and a not inconsiderable amount of sugar, before being smoked and dried.
The Külbs brothers run a farm on the border of the Kalahari, in Namibia, and their business model is focussed on sustainability and upholding traditional values. The company’s mainstream products include steaks, burgers and other cuts of meat produced from home-grown, grass-fed beef. As far as Külbs’ Biltong is concerned, they use the indigenous method of drying, but on an industrial scale, lacking the romantic picture of small batches of meat cured in a family household.
Bearing in mind the exact recipe has been a family secret for three generations,the list of ingredients for the Traditional Style product is authentic and reads well: beef, salt, coriander seeds, black and white pepper, sugar, maltodextrin. The Mild Chili Taste style only adds Chili to the existing recipe. Carbs and sugar in both styles merely account for 2.24 g and 0.86 g respectively, in a 100 g portion.
BILTONG ON THE TRAIL
Originally prepared for either times when meat may have been scarce, or as a light and non-perishable source of protein for early settlers as they explored the South African steppe, Biltong is a valid and appreciated snack amongst overlanders today; but lesser known beyond of the African continent.
As we begin our preparations for our next expeditions (including Cape to Cape 2024), we are, of course, looking at our pantry and what to pack. Biltong is durable, needs no preparation, and is a great source of lean protein, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphates, as well as being rich in iron—it’s not surprising that Külbs’ Biltong has quickly risen as a favourite amongst the team. Not everyone, mind you.
FOUR OF THE FIVE SENSES
By the time Külbs’ Biltong reaches the consumer, it is deathly silent…other than the rip and rustle as you open the bag.
But as far as the other four senses are concerned, boxes are ticked:
VISION A deep red colour with a minimum of visible fat is indicative of the “lean protein” content.
TOUCH The non-greasy and non-sticky surface of the morsels is a sign of minimal additives, and the texture is firm and pleasantly chewy.
SMELL Rich and spicy
TASTE Pleasantly intense (for meat lovers, at least), developing a strong gravy-like flavour the longer you chew. The Mild Chili Taste has a nice tang to it.
CONCLUSION
Any test involving food is likely to lack objectivity, but I do speak for most of our omnivorous team when I say that Külbs’ Biltong is a tasty snack for driving, hiking and other endurance sports. And, of course, it goes well with our favourite camp-fire beverage in the evening or as a condiment in salads, soups, and even muffins.
Külbs’ Biltong fulfils the claims set out by the manufacturer and the criteria we use to determine food for vehicle supported travel. Available in 100 g portions.
€5.90 | KÜLBS STEAKS
