While beef jerky may not be the most gourmet of snacks, there’s no denying it’s delicious.
For those who enjoy a good, hearty beef jerky, the experience is much more than just a tasty treat.
The rich flavor of the beef, the perfect amount of saltiness, and the satisfying chewy texture all come together to create a truly unique snacking experience.
But if you’ve bought a load, you may be wondering; Can I Freeze Beef Jerky?
Yes, it can. Although beef jerky is typically dried, it can also be frozen to increase its lifespan to more than a year.
Store it in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag to prolong its freshness to freeze jerky.
For many people, beef jerky is the perfect snack. It’s packed with protein and easy to eat on the go.
Plus, it’s delicious! Whether you’re enjoying a savory original flavor or a sweet teriyaki jerky, there’s no doubt that beef jerky is a tasty treat.
One ounce of beef jerky contains 116 calories, 9 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, and 3 grams of carbohydrates.
In addition, jerky contains zinc, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.
Our bodies need many essential nutrients to function properly, and zinc is one of them.
This mineral helps to boost the immune system, repair tissue damage, and support proper growth and development.
It can be found in various foods, including meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and nuts.
Zinc is also available in supplement form.
While most people get enough zinc through their diet, some groups of people are at risk for zinc deficiency.
These include vegetarians and vegans, people with certain digestive disorders, pregnant women, and elderly adults.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver.
It is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body and is necessary for the proper function of nerve cells and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, memory loss, and anxiety.
Dietary sources of vitamin B12 include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms for adults over 19 years of age.
Phosphorus is an essential element for plant and animal life.
It is a key component of DNA, cell membranes, and energy production.
Phosphorus is also necessary for bone and tooth formation and muscle contraction.
In addition, phosphorus plays an important role in absorbing other minerals, such as calcium.
How Do You Store Beef Jerky Long Term?
If you plan on keeping your beef jerky for as long as possible, vacuum seals it to keep the moisture out and include an oxygen absorber like iron powder.
This way, your jerky can be stored in a freezer for more than 12 months!
Oxygen absorbers are packets of iron powder that are used to remove oxygen from an enclosed space.
They are often used when packaging food or other products that need to be stored in an oxygen-free environment.
The iron powder within the packets reacts with the oxygen in the air, causing it to bind to the iron and become heavier.
This process continues until the oxygen level in the enclosed space has been significantly reduced.
Oxygen absorbers can help extend food’s shelf life by preventing oxidation and delaying the growth of mold and bacteria.
They are also used in various industrial applications, such as preventing corrosion in electronics.
Does Freezing Jerky Ruin It?
There is no need to worry about freezing jerky ruining it.
Freezing actually helps to preserve the meat and prevent it from drying out.
When thawed, jerky will retain its original flavor and texture.
The only downside to freezing jerky is that it can become more brittle and difficult to chew.
However, this is not a major concern for most people.
Jerky is a type of dried, preserved meat that is popular for its intense flavor and chewy texture.
It can be made from almost any type of meat, but beef is most commonly used.
Jerky can be stored at room temperature for up to six months, making it a convenient snack for long hikes or camping trips.
If vacuum-packed and stored in the freezer, jerky can last well beyond 12 months.
After which, the jerky may experience freezer burn, forming ice crystals and leading to a degradation in texture and taste.
Freezer burn is a type of dehydration that occurs when food is stored in the freezer for too long.
The water in the food evaporates and forms ice crystals on the surface of the food.
This causes the food to become dry, hard, and discolored.
Freezer burn does not make food unsafe to eat, but it can affect the taste and quality of the food.
To avoid freezer burn, wrap food tightly in plastic or aluminum foil before freezing.
And be sure to use frozen food within a few months to ensure optimal quality.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last In The Fridge?
When stored properly, beef jerky can last for up to two months in the fridge.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your beef jerky stays fresh.
First, be sure to store the beef jerky in an airtight container.
This will help to prevent bacteria from getting into the meat and causing it to spoil.
Second, ensure that the beef jerky is placed on a clean plate or surface before putting it into the fridge.
Bacteria can easily grow on meat that is left out at room temperature, so it is important to transfer it to the fridge as soon as possible.
Finally, if you notice any mold or discoloration on the beef jerky, it is best to discard it immediately.
While some types of mold are harmless, others can be poisonous.
If you accidentally ingest mold, you may experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In severe cases, mold poisoning can lead to liver damage, respiratory failure, and death.
Jerky is a type of meat that has been preserved through the process of dehydration.
Dehydration is the removal of water content through either direct sun exposure, air drying, or canning.
Jerky can be made from almost any meat, including beef, pork, fish, and poultry.
The word “jerky” comes from the Spanish word charqui, which means to burn (the meat).
Burning the meat was originally done as a way to keep it longer without refrigeration.
Moldy jerky happens when the water content in the meat is not completely removed during the dehydration process or if the jerky was not properly sealed and stored.
Mold thrives in warm and humid environments and will cause the jerky to spoil and become inedible.
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on almost any surface, and it comes in a wide variety of colors and textures.
Regarding beef jerky, mold usually appears as small, fuzzy patches.
The patches may be black, white, blue, or green and can have a velvety or powdery texture.
In some cases, the mold may also produce musty odors.
If you suspect your beef jerky has been contaminated with mold, it’s important to throw it away immediately.
Eating moldy food can cause serious gastrointestinal illness.
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.