What Is Biltong And What Are Its Benefits?

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Biltong is a highly nutritious, dried, and cured meat-based snack that has gained traction in recent years amongst snack lovers and fitness buffs alike. Although Biltong is a relatively new addition to the global snack scene, it’s not a new product.

In fact, the people of South Africa have been making Biltong for over 400 years as a way to preserve meat for future meals. Find out more about what is biltong here.

Is Biltong The Same As Jerky?

Many people often compare Biltong to Jerky as they’re both dried, cured, meat-based snacks however the taste, ingredients and production processes are completely different!

Whilst both Jerky and Biltong use beef as their main ingredient, the cuts of meat greatly differ. Jerky is commonly made from lean strips of beef (which is what gives it its chewy texture) whereas Biltong allows for more versatility – it can be made from lean or fatty cuts depending on the desired texture, flavour, and nutrition profile.

Additionally, what goes into Biltong and how they are dried differs too! Traditionally, Biltong is made with a blend of salt, vinegar, and natural spices and hung up to air dry for as long as a couple of weeks. Jerky, on the other hand, contains salt, spices, sugars and will often contain lots of sauces to enhance the flavour after it’s been smoked or dehydrated.

Because the production methods and ingredients differ, this leads to Biltong and Jerky tasting very different – Jerky is smokier due to the cooking process, whereas Biltong is richer and easier to eat.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of Biltong?

Biltong is a fantastic snack for anyone looking to improve their diet with a protein-packed snack. It’s packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals the body needs to function and repair muscle tears that happen with exercise, and due to its high protein content is a favourite amongst many people on diets as it helps to keep you fuller for longer.

Although the exact nutrients depend on the brand or ingredients, the nutrition profile of an original 35g bag is:

·          Calories 89

·          Carbs 0.3 gram

·          Protein 18.9 grams

·          Fat 1.4 grams

Beef Biltong also has many other benefits, including:

·          High in natural protein – with almost 60% protein, Beef Biltong helps to boost your recovery, keep you fuller for longer and replenish your muscle reserves making it perfect for those with an active lifestyle

·          Low in carbohydrates

·          High in Vitamin B12 which is essential for healthy blood and nerve cells as well as cell production

·          Good source of Iron which is something many people struggle to get in their diets

What Type Of Meats Can Biltong Be Made From?

Traditionally Biltong was made using a variety of meats including Game, Ostrich and Kudu however many other meats and meat alternatives can be used, including chicken, fish, pork and mushroom!

Today you will most commonly find Biltong in Beef form, this is because beef is readily available and low-cost compared to meats such as game. Just because beef is low cost, doesn’t mean that it’s low quality though! In fact, many Biltong makers use premium grass-fed beef directly from UK farms. What’s even better is that all the meat is fully traceable – from farm to packet.

Who Is Biltong For?

It’s no secret that Biltong is coining the way as the snack for everyone – but do we really mean everyone?

The good news is that yes – we do! From children, pets and pregnant women to athletes and snack aficionados alike, Biltong is truly a snack that everyone can enjoy. As it’s rich in protein and high in all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to repair and replenish cells, it makes it the perfect snack for many walks of life.

Although Biltong is one of the more nutritious snacks on the market, it’s still a good idea to consume in moderation, after all it’s still processed red meat! We recommend eating Biltong alongside a balanced and nutritional diet for the most benefit.

Conclusion

Protein plays an incredibly important role in the body – it helps to curb cravings, improve muscle mass, and plays an important part in our cell function.

Biltong contains an impressive amount of protein per serving, which is why it’s one of the better snacks to keep around the snack cupboard or gym bag. Not only is it high in protein, but it’s low in fat, has high amounts of Vitamin B12, and acts as a good source of iron.

If you’re thinking of adding Biltong to your snacking routine, make sure to eat in moderation to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

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