Today is National Jerky Day.

This holiday was created by the National Jerky Association in order to celebrate the popular snack. The goal was to bring together jerky lovers everywhere to celebrate the nutritious and delicious snack.

Jerky has been around since ancient times. It was first made by Native Americans and was used as a way to preserve meat. Native Americans would dry strips of meat over a fire or in the sun to make jerky. The meat would be cut into thin strips and then salted and spiced before being left to dry. This process allowed them to preserve the meat and keep it edible for long periods of time. As the meat dried, it would become tough and chewy.

The origin of the word “jerky” is believed to come from the Quechua language of the Incas. The word “ch’arki” translates to “dried, salted meat,” which is thought to be the origin of the term. It’s also possible that the word originated from the Spanish word “charqui,” which means “dried meat,” or the French word “jerké,” which means “dried meat strips.”. Regardless, it is still known as “jerky.” today.

The oldest known recipe for jerky comes from the Incan Empire and was passed down orally through generations. The recipe calls for thin strips of meat, which are salted and then placed in the sun to dry. The meat is then spiced with herbs and spices, such as oregano, garlic, and cumin. The final step is to smoke the jerky over a fire, which gives it its unique flavor and texture.

Jerky was later popularized by European settlers and was brought to North America in the 1600s. It was made using the same process as Native Americans, with thin strips of meat being salted and spiced before being left to dry. The settlers often used bison, deer, and other game animals to make the jerky, and it quickly became a popular snack. Jerky was a great way to preserve meat for long periods of time, and it was often used by settlers on their travels.

Jerky has since become a popular snack worldwide, with many different variations available. It is often made with beef, turkey, or fish and is usually seasoned with spices and herbs. Today, there are hundreds of different kinds of jerky available. There are traditional beef and turkey jerky, as well as jerky made from other types of meat such as chicken, salmon, and even alligator. Jerky can also be flavored with sweet, spicy, and savory spices, as well as marinades and sauces. There are even vegetarian and vegan jerky options available.

In the United States, approximately 1.9 billion pounds of jerky is consumed each year. This translates to about 6 pounds of jerky per person. Globally, the jerky market is estimated to be worth around $7 billion.

There are a few people who are famous for making jerky. One such person is Don Wirtz, who is the founder of the National Jerky Association. He is responsible for creating National Jerky Day. Another famous jerky maker is Chef Alton Brown, who has been making jerky since the mid-1990s. He is known for his unique recipes, such as his Chipotle Lime Jerky. Finally, Bill Morley is another famous jerky maker, who is best known for his Barbecue Jerky.

 

Fun Facts About Jerky

• Jerky is the oldest form of processed meat in the world.

 

• The Incas used to make jerky by air-drying strips of meat in the sun.
• In the late 1800s, jerky was referred to as “dried beef” and was used by cowboys on long cattle drives.
• The term “jerky” was first commercially used in the United States in the 1950s.
• The most popular type of jerky in the United States is beef jerky.
• In 2018, the world’s largest jerky was made in the United Kingdom, weighing in at a whopping 5.5 tons.

 

Jerky Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of lean beef, cut into thin strips
• 3 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees.
2. Place the beef strips in a bowl and season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Mix the ingredients together until the beef is evenly coated.
4. Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 2-4 hours, or until the beef strips are dry and become chewy.
6. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy!

 

National Jerky Day is celebrated by jerky lovers all over the world. So whether your jerky is made with beef, turkey, or fish we encourage you to grab some today. Let us know in the comments what you r favorite kind of jerky is.