What is Biltong? A Guide to South Africa's Beloved Snack
If you haven’t tried South Africa’s famous Biltong yet, then you are missing out on what is fast becoming a global sensation. With its delicious taste and nutritional benefits, this air dried meat snack has surged in popularity in recent times, closely reaching over 9 billion in revenue worldwide. Let’s take a look at some reasons why biltong is becoming the snack of choice for people all over the world and why we think you should give it a try.
What is Biltong?
Biltong was developed as a method of preserving meat before refrigeration was available. Indigenous South African communities, such as the Khoisan, were among the first to dry and cure meat as a way to store food for long journeys or during scarce times. They would air-dry strips of game meat under the sun.
When Dutch settlers arrived in the Cape Colony in the 17th century, they brought with them European curing techniques, including the use of vinegar, salt, and introducing East Asian spices from like coriander, cloves, nutmeg and black pepper from the East India Trade. The word biltong is actually a Dutch word meaning ‘rump strip’ – perfectly reflecting the traditional biltong snack.
Biltong was often used for long travels in need of a convenient, high protein snack that would keep for a long period of time. This is where it all began.
Known for its own cultural significance and unique preparation method, biltong is a traditional air dried meat snack (made most commonly with high quality beef) utilising a very unique marination method with salt, spices and vinegar. The key is in the air-drying process and is where the magic begins to slowly come together after a few days.
When compared to jerky, biltong is not cooked. This helps give biltong its softer texture and helps maintain its nutrients better. Whether it’s beef, venison, emu, ostrich or kudu, almost any kind of lean meat can be created into this favourite South African meat delicacy.
Top 5 Reasons Why South Africans Love Biltong
Biltong is deeply rooted in South African history and culture, dating back centuries. It’s also a source of great national pride because it connects locals to their traditional food roots.
Biltong doesn’t require refrigeration and is a convenient, low fat and high protein snack that tastes ‘lekker’.
Many South Africans have grown up with biltong, particularly during childhood where dry pieces of biltong are used for teething purposes.
It’s unique taste and curing process is unique to the South African culture. Many locals appreciate the taste and flavour it brings to the table
Biltong is a popular choice for gifts, especially for birthdays and other social gatherings.
Why We Love Protea Foods Biltong?
It’s the perfect treat for those looking for a healthy, low fat and flavoursome air dried meat snack.
Due to its high protein content and low-calorie intake, biltong is an excellent choice for weight loss.
Helps to reduce appetite, making it less likely to reach for those sugary and unhealth snacks when trying to eat better.
With only 25 grams of lean beef per serving, biltong makes up at least half your daily protein needs.
Containing as little as 3% fat, it’s the perfect low fat snack option.
It’s also very low in carbs making it ideal for keto and low carb diets.
If you’re diabetic, consuming a low sugar snack like biltong will help you manage your blood sugar levels and keep calorie levels down.
Biltong is compact enough to carry with you and consume between meals, making it a super convenient snack on the go.
Helps to reduce hunger and is a satisfying snack that prevents overeating and reaching for something that isn’t quite good for your health.
Biltong is packed with essential nutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamin B12
And finally, Protea Foods biltong one of the best tasting meat biltong protein snacks on the market! Trust us on this one.
For the best biltong snacks on the market, look out for Protea Foods biltong and biltong products in supermarkets and deli’s Australia wide - Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, and numerous regional cities and towns.
“Lekker is an Afrikaans word for ‘tasty’ or ‘delicious’. “Hey bru, that Protea Foods biltong was lekker! It’s more lekker than jerky.”