Facts and Nutients of Beef Jerky

Jerky is a form of meat preservation which involves dried fresh meat. In order to prevent bacterial growth salt is added after removing sufficient moisture from the meat. Beef Jerky was invented around 1550 by Quechua people. In the beginning because of Beef Jerky Nutrition, it is used as food for long journeys.

Modernization of the Beef Jerky.

Modern Manufacturers have invented many ways to make this beef jerky, one way is to marinate fresh meat with salt and then it is either dried, dehydrated or smoked. Others finely grind the fresh beef, mix in seasonings and then press the meat into flat shapes prior to drying. The resulting jerky would be salty/savory snack, sometimes sugar is used as a major ingredient which makes it sweet or semi- sweet.

Preparation of Beef Jerky:

The meat is frozen until firm, then it is cut into 1/8 to1/4 inch thick slices, then coated with the spice or salt mixture thoroughly on all surfaces and is left for 6 hours. Based on the drying method the prepared jerkies areshaken off of any excess liquid and the strips are arranged close together at 140 degrees until the piece cracks but not breaks. The dried strips are allowed to cool down and packed in air tight bags.

The Nutritional Value of Beef Jerky

Protein Perks: The Beef Jerky is a high protein rich with 9.41 grams per 1 ounce serving. It also contains all the essential amino acids. Due to its protein rich content it aids in muscle recovery after strenuous workouts. It does not raise your Insulin levels, hence can be an ideal between- meal snack, especially when you are trying to looseweight. Some brands of Beef Jerkies may be high sodium and MSG.

Vitamins and Minerals: Beef Jerky is an excellent source of essentials vitamins and minerals which include B12, iron, and zinc, phosphorous. This makes an excellent snack as it is convenient to take with you where ever you go.

Carbohydrates and Fats: The carbohydrate content is low in Beef Jerky and the fat content varies from brand to brand. An ounce of Jerky has 2 to 3 grams of carbohydrates, which is mainly from the sugar added during processing. The fat content depends on the way the jerky is defatted, healthier jerky contains less than 1 gram of fat. Always look for beef jerkies that are lean and contain less fat.

Sodium: In the process of preservation of the meat, salt is added which makes the beef jerky a high sodium food; this is a drawback of Beef Jerky Nutrition.However, there are brands in the market that offer low sodium beef jerkies. It is always advised to exercise daily to shed out the large amounts of sodium.

While purchasing a beef jerky always look for that which contains small amounts of saturated fat and low in sodium content. Also Jerky made from grass- fed beef contains the same omega 3 fatty acids as found in fish oil. As a part of healthy meal jerky is relatively a health snack.