Biltong – The South African Power Snack

November 29, 2021Thomas

Biltong

the South African power snack

The biltong trend is gaining momentum in Switzerland. Only added to our range at the end of August 2021, we have already sold out many times over. If you haven't tried it yet, you definitely should.

How did Biltong originate?

The biltong recipe was developed by the South African Trekboers (Afrikaans: trekboere) during the Great Trek (Afrikaans: Groot Trek) between 1835 and 1841 to preserve meat on their long journeys.

The Huns previously used this technique in Europe by salting and drying raw meat under their horses' saddles. Dutch settlers in Namibia modified this method of production, hanging the raw, well-salted pieces of meat in the airy cargo hold of their horse-drawn wagons. The airflow and low humidity dried out the meat – biltong was born.

What exactly is Biltong?

Biltong is a popular meat snack that is widely served in South Africa. Biltong is meat that has been seasoned and dried. Biltong is made from beef with a popular alternative of game meat, which can also include ostrich.

When making our Beef Biltong, we use the highest quality meat and cuts, which are located at the top or bottom. We are proud to make our biltong and adhere to the traditional method, where the meat is hand-cut, marinated in vinegar, and seasoned with spices from South Africa;

This includes a mixture of salt, coriander seeds, black pepper, and a spice blend to create our unique Yum Biltong formula and taste.

Our biltong comes in two different flavors, called Original and Chili. Once the strips are seasoned, they are hung to dry. We use the traditional drying method, which cannot be rushed. The meat is hung in a ventilated room where temperatures and humidity are strictly controlled and monitored. Our drying process usually takes about 5 to 6 days.