| If as a pom like me, you've been offered kangaroo | | | | snack, it really can be. It is high in protein which makes |
| jerky in Australia, you might initially have been (a) | | | | it great for those who need a lot of energy. It is also |
| appalled or (b) confused. After all in the UK we're not | | | | very filling which can make it a great snack for those |
| terribly familiar with jerky, let alone the consumption of | | | | who are trying to eat less and lose weight. |
| Skippy. But kangaroo jerky in particular is actually very | | | | If you find the right jerky, you can buy it free of MSG, |
| tasty and, since kangaroo is an organic meat by | | | | gluten, and other ingredients. This makes it even |
| default, not unhealthy. So what is jerky anyway? | | | | healthier, although this may cut down its shelf life a little, |
| Jerky has been around for a very long time in one | | | | depending on the processing. |
| form or another. Drying meat is a great way to store it | | | | There is a good chance that you can find a type of |
| for relatively long periods of time, and so the process | | | | jerky that will appeal to your tastes. The flavours that |
| was used thousands of years ago. We have records | | | | come on the jerky can be very mild all the way to |
| of the Ancient Egyptians drying meat for storage. | | | | very hot or spicy. Peppered jerky is a very popular |
| Today, jerky is eaten as a wholesome snack by | | | | choice, along with "teriyaki" style. |
| people who are on the go, camping, or just those who | | | | On top of this, you can take you pick of what kind of |
| love it as a snack. There are many different flavours | | | | meat you want. Beef and turkey are very common |
| and meats that are used to make it. | | | | choices in many different countries. But you can make |
| When jerky is made commercially, the meat is heated | | | | jerky out of most types of meat. Some countries |
| to over 160 degrees in order to kill any bacteria that | | | | have very unique types of jerky, such as Australia. |
| might be in it. After this, the moisture is removed from | | | | Probably the most famous variety of jerky from the |
| it mechanically. Without moisture, enzymes cannot | | | | Aussies is crocodile jerky. This may seem bizarre to |
| react with the meat and cause it to spoil. The entire | | | | some people, but this is a very popular food in |
| process is carefully monitored to ensure the jerky is | | | | Australia and some parts of the United States. If the |
| completely safe for consumption. This jerky can be | | | | idea appeals to you, you may also want to look into |
| kept for about a year. | | | | kangaroo jerky or even emu jerky. These Australian |
| It is certainly possible to make jerky at home if you | | | | recipes are unlike any other type of jerky you've ever |
| want. You should get a meat drier if you are going to | | | | tasted. |
| attempt this. Many people get great results from | | | | If you have never really tried jerky, you may be |
| making their own, but it should be noted that things can | | | | surprised by the wide variety of textures and flavours |
| go wrong with the process. Whenever you are dealing | | | | that are available. If you are already a jerky fan, you |
| with meat you need to be very careful to ensure | | | | may want to look into some of the more "exotic" |
| thorough cooking and prevent contamination. Also, | | | | types out there. It really is a wonderful snack that is |
| home jerky is really only good for a few months | | | | appropriate for many circumstances and can even be |
| before it should be gotten rid of. | | | | sent as a gourmet gift. |
| While some people don't consider jerky a healthy | | | | |