Traditional biltong has been around for millennia, but in recent years, its popularity has increased significantly. The demand for biltong is growing, and this ready-to-eat beef snack with high protein content and few additives is here to stay. However, many people are still unaware of what biltong is or the numerous wonderful advantages it offers.
There’s no need to search further if you’re interested in biltong. To assist you in becoming more familiar with the delicious South African speciality, we’ve compiled the top biltong-related facts you probably didn’t know.
Table of Contents
A Short Background About Biltong
To start with, you may be wondering what biltong is. A type of air-dried, cured beef, biltong, was first produced in Southern Africa. It frequently marinates with organic spice mixtures and doesn’t need to be cooked to taste like a tender steak. Moreover, traditional biltong is typically found in thick chunks, making it the ideal snack to fill you up and stave off hunger throughout the day.
The most popular types of meat historically have been ostrich, beef and other wild game, although any type of meat, including chicken, fish, and pork, may be utilised. Variations in the components and flavour characteristics of biltong are growing as production increases. Brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chile peppers, and other spices are examples of possible additions.
Presently, the majority of commercially produced beef biltong, but artisanal makers occasionally provide varieties made from ostrich, deer, and other game meats.
Facts About Traditional Biltong
Here are some facts about traditional biltong:
1. It Has a Lot of Protein.
Biltong is a convenient, portable option to increase your gains if you want to increase your protein intake. In addition to serving as a natural fuel source, protein has many beneficial effects on your body, including maintaining the health of your bones, muscles and tissues.
The recommended dietary reference intake (DRI) for an average male is 56g per day and for an average female is 46g per day. Finding foods that are naturally high in protein might be challenging. With a massive 13g of protein in each pack, Stript Snacks’ biltong is the perfect choice for getting protein in a handy form.
2. It Has Few Calories.
Biltong is popular among those who choose a healthy lifestyle because it is known for being a low-calorie snack. Traditional biltong is a guaranteed guilt-free option, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, trying to lose weight, or just don’t want to overindulge on your daily pick-me-up before dinner.
3. It is Compatible With Many Diets.
Foods like beef biltong are adaptable and suitable for a variety of dietary needs and lifestyles. This lean beef is ideal for paleo diets because it adheres to their principles. Biltong is a fantastic option for those who follow a ketogenic diet because of its high protein content. Furthermore, because biltong is entirely free of gluten, it is a suitable choice for those who have a gluten intolerance.
4. It’s a Wonderful, Healthy Alternative.
Even though we all like the occasional indulgence, we all know that eating better foods now would benefit us not only now but also in the future. A variety of dishes can be replaced with biltong to make them healthier. You can’t go wrong with biltong because it has a high protein content, less fat, and only natural sugars.
Biltong is a great healthy substitute for pastrami in sandwiches, as a topping for morning bacon, and even when putting together a bowl of snacks for the evening.
5. It Makes a Versatile Ingredient for Cooking.
Biltong is not only adaptable but also healthy. Although it is typically consumed as a snack, it is simple to use in a range of different meals.
Biltong, which works surprisingly well in many cuisines, can be used as either the primary component or as a supplement. Beef biltong can be added to an omelette, diced up for a hearty stew, sprinkled over traditional mac ‘n cheese, or even baked into bread. The options are truly limitless.
6. It Features Delicious Flavor Combinations.
Tender, lean beef with the right amount of seasoning makes for a mouthwatering treat, but thanks to biltong, you can have it any time of day. Biltong can be produced to suit a variety of tastes, whether you favour delicate or strong flavours. To compliment the beef flavour, Stript Snacks offers biltong in both Red Chilli and Cracked Black Pepper flavours so that you can enjoy it no matter how you’re feeling.
Take Away
Traditional biltong is a high-protein, low-carb snack made with spiced dried pork, salt, and vinegar. It is comparable to jerky but is made using different techniques and tastes. Notably, some varieties of biltong may be heavy in fat and sodium. Furthermore, consuming a lot of processed meats may make you more likely to get several types of cancer.
If you’re considering including biltong in your snacking regimen, use moderation to keep your diet balanced.
