Beef Jerky FAQ
You are bound to run into questions when you make your first few batches of jerky. This section should provide most of the answers you need but if you have other questions, please contact me and I will gladly help.
How much does it cost to make homemade jerky?
It really depends a lot on your choice of dehydration, meat, and marinade. Here are a couple of examples that you can use as a guideline. These figures include all three categories listed above.
You will spend around $20-$25 on supplies if you decide to use your home oven to dehydrate the meat. If you choose to use a dehydrator, you will be looking at around $120-$140.
What kind of meats can you use to make jerky?
You can make jerky with just about any kind of meat. Some meats that you can use to get started are Beef, Deer, Elk, Turkey, and Pork. If you are looking for something a little different, you can use Alligator, Buffalo, or even fish!
How long does it take to make jerky?
It takes about 18-20 hours to make a batch of beef jerky. This includes cutting, marinating, and dehydrating the meat.
How do I know when my jerky is done dehydrating?
You will notice a drier texture and it will be slightly crispy. Your jerky is ready when you can bend it in half without snapping it. It should crack a little when you bend it but not break. If it does then it is to dry. If it bends but does not crack at all then it is still to moist and needs more time to dry.
What's the best way to store beef jerky?
There really is no best way to store jerky. The method of storage you use really depends on whether you want to store it long term or short term.
How long can you store jerky?
Most jerky can be store anywhere from a month to a year or more depending on how you store it. There are a few good ways to store your jerky short term and long term. For more information read my article on "How to Store Beef Jerky".
How can you tell when jerky has gone bad?
If your jerky is staring to go bad, you will notice a much drier texture, a darker color, and sometimes a small change in flavor. This is when it's time to start fresh again !
How to Make Beef Jerky > Beef Jerky FAQ