The origins of jerky are debated, but evidence suggests various cultures around the world have been drying meat for preservation for millennia. Native Americans in North America used pemmican, which combined dried meat with fat and berries for a complete portable powerhouse of nutrients. Native Americans’ creation of pemmican shows their deep understanding of creating nutritious and portable foods. While modern jerky isn’t an exact replica, it shares some of Pemmican’s core strengths – lightweight, long shelf life, and protein content. However, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in store-bought jerky. Choosing natural-made jerky can be a healthy way to honor this tradition.
While we don’t have to thrive in as harsh of environments, a lightweight, long shelf life, and protein-packed snack makes for good company. With health at the forefront of our minds, let’s dive into why beef jerky is a great addition to the snack drawer.
Beef Jerky is A Good Snack because:
- High in Protein: Just one ounce of beef jerky packs around 6-8 grams of protein, depending on the individual product (check the labels for specifics!). Protein is a vital nutrient for our bodies. It boosts your metabolism, helps you feel satisfied after eating, and maintains muscle health.
- Rich in Iron and Zinc: Beef jerky is a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout your body and preventing anemia. It is also rich in zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system and wound healing.
- Portable and Shelf-Stable: Because of the drying process, beef jerky has a very long shelf life and doesn’t require refrigeration. This makes it a perfect snack for hikers, campers, or anyone who is on the go.
Other benefits of beef jerky include:
- May improve satiety and reduce cravings
- Can be a good source of B vitamins
A few places we’re bringing jerky:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Gardening
- Ranching
- Road Trips
- Work
- School
Flavors of available Painted Hills Natural Beef jerky:
- Campfire BBQ
- Teriyaki
- Maple Bourbon
- Hickory Smoked
- Peppercorn
- Whiskey BBQ
- Asian BBQ
- Sizzlin’ Siracha
