ugar
A WIDE WORLD OF HUNTING
and the
GREAT OUTDOORS
Meat Selection and Processing
L.E.M. Jerky Hanger Stainless Steel Rack Click To See One Today Click Picture to Buy |
Jerky Gun Make tender, delicious jerky strips or round sticks! Click Picture to Buy |
Jerky Preparation Kit Everything you need is here. Hardwood cutting board Click Picture to Buy |
5-Tray Excaliber Food Dehydrator A revolutionary drying system that provides even drying that eliminates tray rotation. Fan and motor are located at the back of the unit--not the bottom--for easy cleaning. Click Picture to Buy |
Open Country 7-Tray Food Dehydrator Regular price $39.99 Workhorse unit dehydrates in hours rather than days like most units. Click Picture to Buy |
Backwoods Jerky Seasoning Use to marinade jerky meat or mix with ground meats. Includes the cure packets so you won't need to buy anything else to make succulent, tasty jerky at home! Click Picture to Buy |
Meat Jerky may be made from beef,
venison, moose, elk, antelope and other game animals. The fat in
meat goes
rancid and will spoil the jerky fast. When using beef, use only the leaner
cuts such as the
round and chuck roast. Wild game animals are typically
very lean, so this is less of a problem. Trim
off all of the fat and
membrane that you can as you cut up the meat. When making jerky
cleanliness
and sanitation are of utmost importance. Be sure all work
surfaces, equipment and hands are thoroughly
clean.
Cut the meat into thin strips across
the grain of the meat. The thinner the strips are, the quicker it will
dry. 1/4" thick and 6" long is about right. You will be able to
cut the meat into slices easier if it is
partially frozen. Freeze, or
thaw, the meat until the meat is just barely pliable and still cuttable.
Once you have the meat cut into strips the next step is to dry it. There are several methods you may use.
Lay the slices out in rows and in a
single layer. Do not allow the pieces to touch. Sprinkle with coarse
ground black pepper and salt, garlic powder or spices that you like the
taste of.
Do not place racks so that one layer
can drip on another layer. If you are using the oven, set it to WARM
(120-170 deg. F.), and leave in the oven overnight, or 8-10 hrs. This
ensures slow and complete drying.
To test for proper dryness bend the pieces. They should bend just slightly before they break.
Store in a cool, dry area in a sealed
plastic container, jar, or can after well cooled. Too much moisture left
in the meat will cause mold, and putting it away while warm will cause
sweating inside the container.
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