Jerky ( eng. Jerky ) - pieces of dried meat , dried in special conditions. Jerky can be used as a standalone product and as a snack .
Content
History
The word jerky is derived from the word Quechua ch'arki , which means jerky. Drying meat was one of the first methods to preserve food for survival. In Europe, jerks became popular after the campaigns of Napoleon .
Jerky is an extremely popular product in the USA and Western Europe . Since 1996, jerks have been chosen as food for NASA astronauts , as they have low weight and high calorie level. This type of product (not always under this name) also appeared on the market of the countries of the former USSR . In Russia, jerks often produce dried, smoked meat that contains more water and has a short shelf life in conditions from 0 to +6 degrees. Such “wet” meat outperforms jerkie in value, but loses in consumer qualities.
Production
Jerqueys are produced in modern factories in drying ovens with forced ventilation and air drying. The combination of rapid movement of air and low fire dries the meat to the required moisture for several hours. Then the finished jerks are packed. Before packing, the meat should be calcined in a furnace at a temperature of 90 degrees in order to kill pathogens and increase shelf life. Taste does not deteriorate. Packing in vacuum bags and in bags with air replacement with inert gases is allowed. Long-term exposure of meat to light and atmospheric air leads to fat oxidation and rancid odor and taste. Allocation of salt on the surface of the jerk is allowed.
See also
- Biltong
- Basturma
- Pemmican
- Cracklings