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What's up wiht Jerky?

Unknown
edited November -0001 in EggHead Forum
I made a batch of jerky, with High Mountain Jerky cure/spices. They recommend refrierating the jerky, but I thought that's why you cure the meat, to prevent spoilage.
So my question...how long can I keep jerky in a ziplock unrefrigerated? I don't road trip wihtout beef jerky, but I don't have a fridge in the car! Thx.

Greg

Comments

  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,583
    ive eaten homemade stuff that wasnt cured kept in the truck all day, i dont think you will have a problem with the cured stuff. i wouldnt keep it unrfridgerated for several days, egged jerkey doesnt seem to get as dry as the commercial stuff for me and that might effect it somehow
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
  • it doesn't seem to get as dry, but then again, prepackaged jerky always ssems to have a packet of dessicant in the bag too...
  • The only thing I can see that would cause a problem is if there is a high fat content in the meat you are using. Fat goes rancid. The German's and Czech's introduced smoking meats in the US as a way to preserve meats. They did this instead of curing meat with salt. Therefore, if you have a lean jerky that has been smoked and cured, it should not need to be refrigerated. Refrigerating slows the growth of harmful bacteria. Due to liability reasons, the jerky company is going to tell you to refrigerate the jerky even if you really don't need to do it.
  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,583
    it might also preserve flavor to keep it refridgerated. how much are you going to make, ive never had it last more than a couple days
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
  • The drier it is, the saltier it is and the leaner it is, the longer it lasts. I also like to make up separate bags and seal them with a food saver bag. Take 02 out of the equation and the bacteria are screwed.

    Bottom line, cured dried beef can go a long time w/out the fridge. My foodsavered bags go a month easy.
  • used a couple pounds of raw meat. But would like to able to take it on a multi-day road trip safely.
  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,583
    i would say your good to go, if you have a foodsaver like scotty's inferno recommended, even better. he is the the to ask questions about jerky on this forum
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
  • Thanks, that's good to know, as I have a food saver, which I also use to marinate the jerky a little faster.
  • Kokeman
    Kokeman Posts: 822
    use a small cooler