7 Unauthorized Biltong Truths That Nobody Talks About

This blog is part of RF’s Biltong Awareness and FBI (Federal Biltong Investigation) Series.  Are you or is someone you know the victim of biltong ignorance?  Please read this informational public service post so you remain cognizant of all aspects of the stateside biltong takeover.

 

Biltong, a traditional South African snack, has made its way across the Atlantic and into the kitchens of Righteous Felon, where it's crafted with precision and passion. Our R&D team has gone to great lengths to ensure that Righteous Felon Biltong retains its authentic South African roots while being produced in the USA.

Contrary to popular belief, biltong originated in South Africa over 400 years ago, not Red Wing, Minnesota. Biltong is a South African staple, as integral to the culture as rugby, braai barbecue, the Cape of Good Hope, and Dave Matthews.

2. Importing South African Biltong: A Customs Challenge

Bringing South African biltong to the US (legally) is impossible without a special certificate due to how the meat is cured. Therefore, it took the culinary chemists in Righteous Felon’s R&D Department decades to crack the code of how to perfect that silky smooth, Cape Town taste and texture. 99 out of 100 leading biltong experts couldn’t detect the difference between RF Biltong and the bona fide stuff we smuggled in from the Rainbow Nation. And that 100^th guy didn’t show up to work that day.

 

3. Biltong's Unique Drying Process

Biltong and jerky differ in their drying processes. While jerky is dehydrated in slices, biltong is dehydrated as a whole slab, then sliced. Initially, biltong was dried over a pack animal's saddle, absorbing the animal's sweat for flavor.  Let’s be 100% honest with ourselves, people. That sounds delicious. Today, biltong is marinated in salt and vinegar before drying, resulting in a delicious treat. Bon appétit!

 

4. Biltong's Signature Texture

RF Biltong's texture is a product of centuries of dehydration expertise. The result is soft, chewy, tenderized meat with a hint of fat content. Some quality assurance testers liken the texture to prosciutto, while others compare it to the rump of the Dodo bird,  the extinct fowl species we are secretly breeding at our DNA splicing and research facility.

The terrifying truth is that some citizens lump all jerkies and biltongs together into one, uniform spectrum of snack remains alive and present with us even today. But, those with distinguished tongues know, that a biltong or jerky of quality brings its own merits to the taste buds.

 

5. Biltong is One of the Fastest-Growing Snacks in America

Thanks to its health-forward nutritional profile, biltong sales have risen by 500% in the United States. Packed with zero grams of sugar and 32 grams of protein, biltong is a nutritional powerhouse and a favorite among keto enthusiasts. View our keto jerky page to see RF's keto options

The craze is growing to uncontainable size.  It can’t be stopped.  Store clerks nationwide have detailed eyewitness accounts of “Good, corn-fed folks asking for biltong.  What-tong?  I used to ask,” says Jarvis Wheatley of the Trenton area. “Now I know exactly what it is.  Biltong this, biltong that.  It’s the cotton gin of dried meats, I tell ya! It comes from Red Wing, Minnesota. Isn’t that right?”  Wrong, Jarvis. You should have read our post. But the cult-like enthusiasm is real.

6. Biltong is a Treasure-Trove of Nutrition

Packing zero grams of sugar but 32 grams of protein, biltong is one of the healthiest meat-snacks on the market. This stuff is the dried meat equivalent of the nectar of the Gods, also known as the dried meat of the Gods. Got that import certificate to bring some in? I still wouldn’t try to get through airport security with a two ounce of biltong, as detection dogs would be inclined to tear you limb from limb for even a tiny taste of South Africa's claim to the food hall of fame. Hey - did we mention it’s KETO?

Biltong vs. Jerky: Understanding the Key Differences

When it comes to dried meat snacks, biltong and jerky are often mentioned in the same breath. However, there are several key differences between the two that set them apart in terms of taste, texture, and preparation methods.

Origin and History

Biltong has its roots in South Africa and dates back over 400 years, with early settlers using this method to preserve meat. Jerky, on the other hand, originated in South America, with indigenous people drying and smoking meat to prolong its shelf life.

Preparation Process

Biltong is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices before being air-dried as a whole slab. The slab is then sliced into thin, tender pieces. Jerky, conversely, is typically sliced before being marinated in a blend of spices and seasonings. It is then either smoked or dehydrated to achieve its final form.

Flavor Profile

Biltong tends to have a more complex flavor, thanks to the vinegar-based marinade and the variety of spices used in the process. The air-drying method also imparts a distinct taste to the meat. Jerky is known for its smoky, savory, and sometimes sweet flavor, depending on the seasoning blend used during the marinating process.

Texture

Biltong has a tender, chewy texture that is often compared to prosciutto or thinly sliced roast beef. The drying process and fat content contribute to its unique mouthfeel. Jerky, in contrast, has a more leathery and firmer texture, which requires more chewing and can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the level of dehydration.

Nutritional Differences

While both biltong and jerky are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, biltong generally has a higher protein content and lower sugar levels due to the absence of added sugars in the marinade. This makes biltong an especially appealing option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

 

7. Righteous Felon Biltong: Three Hunger-Crushing Flavors

Righteous Felon's Biltong comes in three bold flavors:

Now you know the key differences between biltong and jerky. Biltong hails from South Africa, dehydrated as a single slab, and has a tender texture and rich taste. Jerky, originating in South America, is more commonly consumed in the US and has the familiar taste and texture you love.

In our quest to offer the most genuine biltong experience, we've prioritized using only the highest quality ingredients and adhering to traditional South African methods of preparation. This commitment has resulted in a product that not only boasts the rich and savory taste of traditional biltong but also pays homage to its origins, making it a true culinary gem.

Crafting RF Biltong in the USA has allowed us to maintain strict quality control while ensuring that our customers can enjoy a taste of South Africa without the need for import certificates or customs complications. Through our relentless dedication to biltong perfection, we've managed to create a snack that bridges the gap between continents and unites food lovers in their appreciation for this unique and flavorful dried meat. 

Try all three flavors of our Biltong and let our Flavorful Felons compete in the ultimate taste test! Not ready to try biltong, and want to stick with Jerky? Righteous felon also has many incredible flavors of high quality beef jerky and meat sticks.