Beef jerky has been a common food item in the western world for thousands of years. It’s equally as popular today, but it’s also gotten a lot more creative and artisanal than it used to be. In the olden days, there was no telling what kind of beef you could get your hands on. These days, you can find carefully curated products from small producers all over the world that are made with quality ingredients. Go ahead and Google “the best beef jerky” if you’re feeling doubtful because there are a lot of good options out there. But trust us when we say that you won’t be disappointed once you try some legit ground beef. Keep on reading these top-notch selections:
- Black Angus Beef Jerky
There are so many great things about black Angus beef jerky that it’s almost a shame to list them all. There’s the fact that it’s the only type of beef that you can get that’s exclusively from an animal raised on grass, which means there are no hormones, steroids, or other artificial additives. Just pure wild-ass Angus beef. If you haven’t tried some yet, let us warn you: It’s strong. You have been warned. This stuff will give you a legit case of the reds.
- Bison Jerky
Bison jerky is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, thanks to the presence of the sweet-tasting beta-glucan in bison. And there are hundreds of different variations of bison jerky, so you can pick and choose what type of flavor you want. You can even try Bison Mini Beef Jerky, which is perfect for on-the-go snackers.
- Kobe-Style Beef Jerky
The love child of steak and jerky, Kobe is an expensive cut of beef that has been raised year-round on the exclusive Gusset Island in Japan’sSea of Japan.
This is the kind of beef that only the Japanese government regulates as “genuine” beef, as opposed to “cut” or “tenderloin” or other less-than-ideal names you might have heard.
- Venison Jerky
It’s also one of the more affordable and less-processed types of deer meat, making it a popular snack in Asia. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you only consume venison jerky within 24 hours of being caught, as freshness is important.
- Wild Game Beef Jerky
The most complete source of protein available, the wild game comes in many forms: animals, fish, bird, and even insects. How do you make jerky out of it? In this case, you’ll use a combination of spices and hard, dry woods to flavor the meat. This is the kind of jerky you’ll find at the grocery store, but there’s only so much you can do with store-bought meat. Go for the expert-made versions from farmers and ranchers around the country.
- How to eat your jerky
There are a few ways to eat your jerky. First, you can unroll the jerky and place it in a lunch box or backpack. You can also snack on the jerky while watching TV or relaxing at home.
Conclusion:
Beef jerky is a time-tested food that’s been part of human history. It’s a traditional item that’s often served with coffee or tea. And, it’s not just for kids anymore. Nowadays, beef jerky is for grown-ups who want something a little more complex and savory. The best beef jerky you’ll ever eat is guaranteed to be from one of these top-notched selections.