Why Is Beef Jerky So Expensive? Talk Radio News

Jerky can be made from a variety of different types of meat, but the most popular type of jerky is made from lean beef.

The main reason beef jerky is so expensive is that it is made from high-quality beef and requires a laborious and time-consuming process.

This means that there is more protein per pound of lean meat, which makes it more expensive. Jerky can also be expensive because it has to be preserved by smoking or drying it to make sure bacteria doesn’t form on it, which is time-consuming and costly.

What is Beef Jerky?

Jerky is a type of meat that has been sliced and then dried. It was originally made of beef but can also be made of other types of meat. Jerky is a food that can last for a long time without refrigeration and can also be eaten on the go.

The word jerky comes from the Quechua word ch’arki, which means “dried meat.”

Jerky comes in thin strips or large chunks and can be made from a variety of meats including beef, turkey, chicken, and even fish. Some jerky recipes are made with exotic meats including ostrich, emu, kangaroo, venison, and even alligator.

Making jerky at home is easy and fun. It’s also a great way to preserve meat that you would normally throw away such as the fat trimmed off of steaks or roasts.

Jerky is a low-fat protein source that makes an excellent snack for hunters and hikers. While some jerky recipes use preservatives to extend shelf life, making your own homemade version will ensure that it’s fresh.

History

The process of making jerky has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated with the Incas or Mayans. Jerky is made by taking lean meat and removing the fat, then pressing it with heavyweights to release moisture.

It’s then marinated in different liquids like soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or vinegar for hours or days. The meat is then placed on racks to dry with heat like an oven or smoker. Today there are beef jerky recipes in nearly every country in the world.

Cost of Raw Beef

Beef jerky is an expensive commodity because it is made primarily of beef. The problem with this is that beef is a costly food to produce.

The cost of the raw beef, the cost of the other ingredients, and the labor costs are all factors in the final price.

High Quality Ingredients

You may have noticed that beef jerky is an expensive snack. The reason for the high price is because beef jerky is made with high-quality ingredients. Unlike some other snacks, beef jerky does not contain an abundance of preservatives or additives that are not good for you.

Beef jerky is also made with 100% pure meat, which is the main ingredient in the product. The flavor of beef jerky reflects its ingredients and few people can say no to this kind of snack.

Beef Jerky Can Be Healthy

The sugar content of beef jerky is much lower than other snack foods. Sugar is often the main ingredient in many snacks and the high sugar content can cause a spike in glucose levels and blood pressure. The high sugar content can also cause you to gain weight.

As a result, beef jerky is a great alternative for people looking for a healthier snack option.

Some jerky is marinated in soy sauce which contains sodium so if you have high blood pressure or heart disease you should avoid it completely.

Beef Jerky is Low in Calories

As mentioned before, beef jerky is made with 100% pure meat and as a result, it has very few total calories per serving. For example, one serving of beef jerky contains around 100 calories.

This is significantly less than many other snack foods which can contain hundreds of calories per serving. If you are trying to watch your caloric intake, then this makes beef jerky an ideal option for you.

Labor-Intensive Process

Beef jerky is a delicious snack that can be found in many grocery stores and gas stations. However, it is usually one of the more expensive items. One possible explanation for this is that it is a labor-intensive process.

To make beef jerky, you have to cut the meat into strips before drying it out with a dehydrator.

This means that there are a few steps to take before you can enjoy a piece of beef jerky. The meat has to be cut into small pieces, dried out by the dehydrator, and then packaged up. All of these steps require someone to dedicate their time and energy to the process.

Time & Energy Taken

The reason beef jerky is expensive is also that it takes more time and energy to make. The process starts by cooking the meat in a smoker. This process can take anywhere from 4-6 hours. After it is smoked, the meat needs to be dried for a day or two before it can be packaged.

The drying process can take another 24 hours before it is ready to eat. This process of cooking, smoking, and drying takes a lot of time and effort, which makes the price of beef jerky higher than other food items.

Dehydration Process

The dehydration process is what makes beef jerky more expensive than other meats. The process of dehydrating meat removes the water content and leaves a food that contains more protein and less fat than its original form.

Beef jerky is made by first slicing the meat into thin strips, then marinating it in a solution of spices, seasonings, and sweeteners like molasses, brown sugar, or honey. The meat is then dried with heat to seal in the flavor and remove any remaining water.

Can Jerky Made with Any Other Meat?

Jerky is typically made with beef, but it can be made with any type of meat. Jerky can be made with pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, or even fish.

The most common spices used in jerky are salt, pepper, all-purpose spice, and liquid smoke. Most of the time, you will find that these three ingredients are what make up the majority of any particular flavor of jerky. The meat is heavily seasoned with a rub before marinating in a marinade.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a snack that will satisfy your hunger, then jerky is the answer. Jerky is a type of food made from dried meat, usually beef. Jerky is usually high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent choice for an on-the-go snack.

You can buy jerky in stores or make your own at home. Jerky is sometimes made with different flavors to add to the taste.

One downside of jerky is that it’s not the cheapest option. The price range varies depending on where you buy it and what type you get.

Why Is Beef Jerky So Expensive?