How long does jerky last, and where and how should it be stored?
Dried meat is a natural product that is obtained by drying (dehydration). As a result of processing by drying, it undergoes complex biochemical processes when exposed to sunlight.
In order for such a dish to be stored longer and not lose its quality and taste, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for containing the product.
We will tell you how to properly store dried meat in this article.
Content
Storage methods at home
Subject to drying any type of meat:
- duck,
- chicken,
- horsemeat,
- beef.
There are many recipes for making jerky. The most popular include:
- basturma;
- jamon;
- carpaccio and others.
Conditions under which the meat is kept cool, does not come into contact with other products, and air access is limited, if possible, are considered suitable for storage. The refrigerator, freezer and some other cool places are suitable for these purposes.
For successful storage of dried meat product it is necessary that it be prepared strictly according to technology.
How to make jerky, video recipe:
In a refrigerator
It is most convenient to keep cooked meat on a shelf in the refrigerator. Before putting the piece in the refrigerator, it needs to be coated with vegetable oil and wrapped in cloth. The best option for storage is to maintain the temperature within the range from 0 to +5? C.
In the freezer
Conditions in the freezer are best suited for long-term storage of meat products.
An important rule is to avoid intermediate defrosting during the process.. It is also necessary to take care of suitable packaging.
If you need to use frozen food, you should first transfer the piece to the refrigerator shelf. This will allow the defrosting process to proceed gradually. Once thawed, the product should not be re-frozen.
To avoid confusion with shelf life, packaging must be signed immediately, indicating the name of the product and the date of placing in the freezer.
Other options, without placing in the refrigerator
If you plan to keep the jerky at room temperature, it is advisable to place it in a vacuum sealer. This will prevent contact with air and extend the shelf life of the product.
Rooms with low air temperatures, without access to sunlight, and with good ventilation can be used as storage places. These could be corridors, storage rooms, etc.. The maximum permissible temperature of the product is +15? C.
Features for dry-cured
Meat product (fresh and cooked) is a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms.Jerky loses a lot of moisture during the cooking process, but even so, it can spoil if stored in inappropriate conditions.
Factors that affect storage conditions:
- Air temperature. The lower it is, the better for meat.
- Humidity. The higher the air humidity, the more actively microorganisms multiply, and the faster spoilage occurs.
- Light. For storage, one of the requirements is protection from sunlight. When sunlight hits the packaging, the fat begins to disappear.
- Proximity of other products. Dried meat should not be stored near other food, much less in contact with it.
- Air exchange. In polyethylene, a piece can “suffocate” and quickly disappear. The exception is complete exclusion of air access by sealing in vacuum packaging.
Before placing it in a cold place for storage, a piece of meat must be wrapped in paper (parchment). If the pieces were dried in different ways, they need to be stored separately.
When storing in airtight containers, you can additionally place paper napkins inside. The pieces should not be compacted; they should lie freely. If a part has been cut off from a whole piece, then it is better to lubricate the cut area with vegetable oil.
Buying a finished product: what do you need to know?
When purchasing dried meat in a store in finished form, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Compound. If, in addition to meat and spices, there are synthetic flavors, it is advisable not to store such a product for a long time.
- Package. It must not have any damage.
- Best before date. This information must be indicated on the packaging. If the shelf life is close to expiration, you should not purchase it.
It is not recommended to purchase dried meat without a label, since in this case there is no information about the composition, shelf life and the manufacturer itself.
Expiration dates
The shelf life of jerky is directly related to the conditions in which the product is kept. In a vacuum, in the absence of a refrigerator, dried meat can be kept for up to a month, but only if the piece is protected from light and at a low air temperature.
The product can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. However, it is recommended to place it there immediately after preparation. If it has already been in the refrigerator for a long time, it is not advisable to freeze it.
In addition to storage conditions, the type of meat affects the duration of storage. Pork has a shorter shelf life than beef or horse meat. Vacuum packaging extends the shelf life of the product anywhere.
Vacuum packed
The main feature of vacuum packaging is the complete deprivation of oxygen access to the contents. This allows you to slow down oxidative processes and, as a result, extend the shelf life of dried meat.
Advantages of using vacuum packaging to preserve the product:
- presentable appearance;
- compactness;
- long shelf life.
After opening the package, air is allowed in and oxidation processes begin. Therefore, it is very important not to store meat that is not hermetically sealed for a long time. In addition to dried meat, other types of meat products, including raw ones, can be kept in vacuum sealing.
The main condition for quality storage is that the product must be of high quality before being placed in a vacuum bag.It is possible to seal the product in a vacuum bag even at home if you have the appropriate apparatus.
Signs of damage
If dried meat is stored for a long time or improperly, it may spoil. The following points indicate that a product is no longer suitable for food:
- the appearance of mold;
- release of liquid from meat;
- unpleasant rancid odor;
- mucus and other unusual inclusions on the surface.
Even a high-quality product should not be stored longer than recommended.
Conclusion
Dried meat is a tasty and satisfying product that allows you to quickly satisfy your hunger and diversify your table. Depending on storage conditions, it can be stored for up to a year.
