Jerky Question

Chipper

Made my first batch of beef jerky today. I have never been a big fan of jerky in the past, but man is this stuff good! I loosly followed one of GFW's jerky marinade recipies using a handful of J.D. barrel chips and 200° indirect for about 7 hrs. Not that I see this mess of jerky staying around for a long time, but do i need to refridgerate it to keep it safe.[p]Thanks,
Chipper

Nature Boy

Chipper,
The smoke preserves the meat a tad, but still, refrigerating is a good idea.[p]I vacuum sealed a bunch once that I brought on a backpacking trip (never got over 65 degrees out, and was freezing at night) and nobody got sick. That was a 2 week trip. If elderly folks, or children, or those with weak immune systems will be eating it, definitely refrigerate.[p]Simply an opinion. My immune system gets lots of practice.
NB

sdbelt

Chipper,[p]Properly dried meat would not need to be kept in the fridge. However, it doesn't hurt. My sister makes huge batches on her air dehydrater and freezes them by the bag full. Still, I don't see any harm in leaving it out, when its only going to last a day or two.[p]--sdb

PG

Chipper,
I,ve been doing jerky for a long time on a dehydrator and always store in a ziploc bag on the counter.Also if you feel you overdried your meat take a splash of water on your hand and throw into the bag and reseal.After a little while moister more tender meat.But as you said it won,t last long anyway.