Who says beef jerky can't go stale? In fact, beef jerky can still go stale and that's why, the snack must be stored properly to increase its shelf life. The easiest way to do this is to place the beef jerky in an airtight container or plastic clip bag, then remove all the air and oxygen in the container before closing it. After that, label the container with a description that says the contents of the container and the date of storage, then leave the container at room temperature or put it in the refrigerator/freezer. Before consuming, always check whether or not there is a layer of fungus attached to the surface of the beef jerky.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Packing Beef Jerky
Step 1. Dry the jerky at room temperature
If you're cooking yourself, let the beef jerky sit for a few hours at room temperature until it's completely dry. If the surface looks wet or greasy, immediately absorb the excess moisture with a paper towel, because basically, the shelf life of the beef jerky will increase once all the liquid and fat content is gone.
If the beef jerky was purchased at the supermarket, skip this step and store the beef jerky immediately at room temperature or in the freezer
Step 2. Store the jerky in an airtight container
Place the beef jerky in an airtight container or plastic clip bag that is not too large for the entire serving of beef you want to store. Be careful, oxygen levels in the container that are too high can make the jerky go stale quickly.
Glass containers are also useful for preventing beef jerky from being contaminated with aromas from other foods
Step 3. Put the oxygen absorber in the container to increase the shelf life of the jerky
Today, oxygen absorbers that do not contain substances harmful to food can be purchased at various online and offline stores. To use it, simply put 1 to 2 oxygen absorbers in a container of beef jerky to increase its shelf life.
As the name implies, oxygen absorbers will absorb oxygen and prevent bacteria from growing in the beef jerky
Step 4. Vacuum the container to increase the shelf life of the jerky
In contrast to oxygen absorbers which are only able to remove part of the oxygen content in the container, vacuum machines can absorb almost all of the air contained there. To do this, you just need to put the beef jerky into the container, then attach the mouth of the container to the machine. After that, start the engine to absorb all the oxygen around the jerky.
Consider emptying the air in the container using a vacuum to increase the shelf life of the jerky. If you'd like, divide the jerky in varying amounts into several bowls so you can snack on it whenever you want
Tip:
If you want to gift jerky to someone, don't forget to pack it in a container that has been vacuumed to ensure that the beef jerky is still in good condition when it is received by the person concerned.
Step 5. Label the jerky container with a description that says the contents of the container and the date of storage of the jerky
Do not forget to read the label before consuming the contents.
If you want to stock up on beef jerky for the next year, don't forget to finish off any earlier made beef jerky before opening the beef jerky container with a later date
Method 2 of 2: Storing Beef Jerky or Freezing It
Step 1. Store the jerky at room temperature for a maximum of 2 months
If the beef jerky is completely dry, you can store it on the counter or in the kitchen cupboard for up to 2 months. If the bag or container starts to look damp after a few days, it's likely that the beef jerky will need to be re-dried to increase its shelf life.
If the jerky is stored at room temperature, its freshness should not be reduced for a maximum of 1 year as long as the lid of the container is never opened
Tip:
Use up the jerky within 1 week of opening, regardless of the storage method you use. Once the container is opened, oxygen will enter and allow bacteria to multiply in it.
Step 2. Store the jerky in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Place a bag or container of beef jerky in the refrigerator if your kitchen is too hot and you run the risk of making the beef stale. However, always remember that the beef jerky should be eaten within 1 week of opening the bag or container.
If you don't like eating cold jerky, don't forget to take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before consuming it
Step 3. Store the jerky in the freezer for a maximum of 6 months
To increase shelf life, place a container or bag of beef jerky in the freezer. Unfortunately, this storage method can also change the taste of the jerky over time. Therefore, try freezing small portions of beef jerky first to see if there is a significant change in taste or aroma before freezing large portions of beef jerky.
