When people think of snacks, they usually opt for something easy and accessible. But those who have tasted beef jerky understand that this is not always the best option–especially if you’re on a budget or just looking to save money as much as possible! Jerky may seem expensive because it requires more time and effort than other foods we consume in our day-to-day lives; after all, how many grains can one person eat? However there is an even greater reason behind why raw meat has such high costs: namely its superior nutrient density which makes up around 10% higher proportion within most brands’ ingredients lists.
On average it costs over 9 times as much! The reason behind this eye popping statistic has to do with how they are made and what goes into making them but let’s take a look at why meat snacks in general cost so much.
Making beef jerky is not as simple or straightforward a process like preparing other snack foods. Not only are there many pieces to the cost puzzle but every batch of meat treats can be different which adds even more difficulty in making them taste good for customers! The first thing you need when creating your recipe should be some steak that has been ground into fine bits then seasoned with whatever spices would best complement its flavor profile – garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper? Boxes usually have just one spice option so I recommend taking advantage of them by using three types instead so everyone who tastes doesn’t get bored quickly.
The ingredients that go into every beef jerky recipe are what make it so expensive. Beef itself is more costly than other popular snacks, but the cost of other key components like sugar and texturizer should not be overlooked either!
Beef
Though beef may be more costly than other ingredients, it tastes so good.
There’s a lot of different factors that determine the cost to make jerky, but one thing you might not have considered is your beef quality. Here are some things I’ve learned from talking with other grill masters:
Leaner cuts- higher quality meat and cheaper price per ounce.
Pasture raised vs 100% corn fed steer- Higher fat content which produces better flavor without sacrificing tenderness or juiciness.
Pastured animals also require more space so they’re less likely than factory farmed ones to be crowded out by industrial operations who want access for harvest.
Flavors and Spices
The kind of flavors and flavorings utilized in planning of the meat additionally add to the expense. For better items these will in general be normal flavors and flavors, while others might depend on concentrates or powders to bestow flavor.
Shrink
In contrast to different food varieties, the essential fixing in hamburger jerky shrivels by 60-70% during readiness; this is water weight. Thus, a 6 oz steak just yields around 3.9 oz of jerky!
That is an integral justification for why jerky is so costly.
Preparation
Making jerky requires a progression of steps that are more work concentrated than the many efficiently manufactured nibble choices. The outcome? A pricier bite.
Beef jerky is arranged utilizing the accompanying advances:
Cutting – Meat is cut and cut back of excess the hard way
Marinating – Combined with flavors, the meat is marinated to foster character
Laying – Meat strips are orchestrated by hand on a metal screen to guarantee in any event, cooking
Cooking – The strips are carefully warmed at a low temperature and a predictable moistness
Bundling – The jerky fixed in water/air proof, low-light holders to request to safeguard newness
Quality versus Cheap Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is more costly than different bites, however there can be a major contrast between individual jerkies. You might have pondered: What’s the distinction? Basically: Quality.
While taking into account which meat jerky you need to test, you might track down that the extra expense might be awesome.