How To Store Biltong The Right Way
Biltong is an iconic South African product that's becoming increasingly popular around the world, including the UK. With some incredibly talented UK biltong makers and more shops selling a wide range of biltong products, it's important to store biltong the right way - and we're here to help.
Tips For Storing Biltong Products
Biltong is cured and air dried, with no unnecessary additives, but you still have to store it properly. The best way to prevent mould is to store biltong in a cool, dry place - either in a paper bag, jar, or bowl. You can also keep it in the fridge to make it last even longer.
But what about the freezer?
There's still some debate around the common question of "can I freeze biltong?" Considering it is cured and dried, you can freeze biltong.
But it must be packed and sealed properly. When storing biltong in the freezer, it can last up to a year. Let's take a closer look at these biltong storage methods.
How To Store Biltong in a Paper Bag
Put your biltong in a brown paper bag and store it in a cool, dry place. Paper bags are better than plastic ones, as they keep biltong dryer for longer. You can leave the paper bag on the counter or inside a cupboard - just make sure you use a clean and dry bag.
Stir the biltong daily to promote airflow and if your biltong is very wet, do this a few times a day. Try to eat the biltong within a few days, as mould might grow if you leave it for too long. We can tell you from experience that stirring the biltong is a good excuse to grab a sneaky snack!
Storing Biltong in a Container or Bowl
Before storing biltong in any container or bowl, make sure it's clean and dry. If there's any excess moisture, the meat could develop mould a lot faster.
- Dry the biltong with a kitchen towel
- Add the meat to the container - but don’t overfill it
- Leave room for air to circulate
- Cover the top with a paper towel or piece of cloth
Avoid using the lid of the container or a sealed lid for the bowl as it won't allow air to flow and keep the biltong dry. If you are using a bowl, place an elastic band around the paper towel around the top.
Storing Biltong in the Fridge
Storing biltong in the fridge is a no-brainer as it keeps meat and other food items fresher for longer. Before storing it, make a note of the best-before date so you don't let good food go to waste. Remember, wetter biltong has a shorter lifespan, so pay close attention when storing and packing.
- When you're ready to eat it, put the biltong in a paper bag, or an open bowl
- Don’t leave your precious biltong inside the plastic packaging as it could go off much faster
- Check that the biltong is still good before eating - obvs!
- Once opened and nibbled on, put the biltong on an open plate and back in the fridge
Can I Store Biltong in the Freezer?
If you are not going to eat the biltong for more than a week or two, why not put it in the freezer instead? While vacuum-sealed packaging is no longer the preferred method for fish and biltong, you can still freeze it using other containers.
Mark the bag with the date you sealed it to help keep track of how long the biltong has been in the freezer. In most cases, it can last up to a year, but it's always best to check every bag carefully after defrosting it.
Defrosting biltong releases a lot of moisture so make sure there's as much natural airflow as possible. Keep mixing the biltong and drying it with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. From there, you can use any of the other biltong storage methods to keep your biltong fresh for short periods.
Can You Remove Biltong Mould?
Biltong mould forms when there is moisture present in the food without sufficient air circulation. It can happen very quickly so pay careful attention to how you store your biltong. If you do see mould, remove it by running it through a mixture of vinegar and water (30% vinegar and 70% water).
BUT - this is only recommended for uncut biltong slabs NOT for sliced biltong!
- Mix the vinegar and water and put it into a bowl
- Rinse the biltong making sure to remove all the mould
- Pat the biltong and hang it to dry
If mould has contaminated the biltong, it won't dry regardless of how long you leave it. In these cases, discard the meat as it is unsafe for consumption.
Key Points To Remember About Storing Biltong
Good biltong will only go off if not stored properly, so knowing how to store biltong is vital. If your biltong was pink when it was freshly cut, and it goes a little darker, it's just from oxidisation & should be fine to eat. That said, use your common sense and if you left the biltong somewhere in the sun, has gone very hard or smells strange, don’t eat it!!
Dry sticks or biltong “stokkies” will keep longer as they have less moisture than biltong slices or thicker biltong pieces. If the “stokkies” are stored together, mix them occasionally so that you alternate the surfaces of the meat touching. Storing dry biltong is easier than wet biltong, as there is less moisture.
Looking For "Biltong Near Me"?
Biltong is one of the tastiest, most versatile gluten-free snack foods that is low in fat & has a high protein content. Not only is it a favourite among gym-goers looking for a healthy snack but people are also buying biltong products for work, picnics, events and as a treat in the school lunch box. It also goes beautifully with a beer or glass of wine on game day.
At The Biltong Merchant, we’re always happy to hear from fellow biltong fanatics. Whether you have a story to tell, recipes to share ,or any other tips and tricks for storing biltong, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us on our website or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
