Beef jerky makes a great long-lasting snack. But how long does beef jerky last?Jerky is a great addition to food storage or emergency supplies because it allows you to store meat for extended periods of time without having to refrigerate or freeze it. You might also consume it quickly after purchasing it if you can’t resist. Depending on how it is packaged, whether it is homemade, and when it is opened, beef jerky can last for a very long time in either case. Let’s test those hypotheses to determine how long beef jerky lasts.
How long do beef sticks last?
Normally, if your beef sticks are unopened, it can last 1 to 2 years at normal room temperature as long as properly stored. However, once you open the package of beef jerky, you better keep it in a fridge or freezer so that its shelf life can reach 1 to 2 months or even up to half of a year when freezing.
If you enjoy making things from scratch and you have just finished making some delicious beef jerky, keep in mind that it won’t last as long as store-bought jerky.
If you want your homemade beef sticks to last longer than three months in your dry, cool pantry, you should also store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh for a few more weeks.
How to tell if beef sticks go bad?
Actually, even being stored at room temperature, beef sticks already last a long time due to their special characteristics. Salt, hot pepper and liquid removing process play a significantly important role to preserve the jerky for the long term.
However, if your dried beef is stored improperly, it may occasionally spoil. If there are any indications of dampness or an uneven distribution of softer and harder areas, the jerky hasn’t dried out completely. This will facilitate good environment for bacteria to grow.
In a worse-case scenario, beef sticks may have white material on their surface that is mold and can be used to identify food as spoiled.
You should also throw away the entire package of beef sticks when your beef jerky starts to smell rancid or ferments, or if the color changes in an odd way.
You might have accidentally left your beef sticks in a hot car and wondered is it okay to eat? Well, the jerky is already dry cured and safe so 8 hours in a hot car won’t harm it. But the longer it is under the heat, the harder it can get, but still safe to consume if there is no severe spoilage.
How to store beef sticks?
Moisture is always an enemy of dried meat, including beef sticks. Therefore, to store your beef jerky, the most important rule is to keep it dry. You should store your unopened beef sticks in dark, cool places like your pantry, leave it away from any source of light or heat which could result in mold.
The best method is to refrigerate and freeze the jerky to extend its shelf life. However, before putting your dried beef in the fridge or freezer, make sure it is kept in a tightly sealed container or bag.
Can you freeze beef sticks?
Yes, you can freeze beef sticks to extend their shelf life to up to 6 months, and it’s not at all difficult to do.
How to freeze beef sticks?
You will soon discover how to properly freeze beef sticks in a few easy steps.
Tips to freeze beef sticks
- If the beef sticks were originally packaged in a sealable container, you could simply place them in the freezer as is.
- It is advised to freeze beef sticks in small portions and consume them as soon as possible for the best quality because freezing can change the flavor of jerky.
- Homemade jerky needs to be cool completely before freezing
Things you’ll need to freeze beef sticks
- A freezer-safe container or bag
How to freeze beef sticks in just 2 steps
- Open the purchased package and transfer the leftover beef jerky inside to an airtight container.
- Label the container and stick in the freezer
How to defrost/ thaw beef sticks?
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Tips to defrost beef sticks
- Avoid placing frozen beef jerky on the counter to thaw naturally at room temperature. This will increase the risk of bacteria growth.
- After thawing, it is not advised to refreeze any remaining beef sticks because doing so can significantly alter the jerky’s texture and flavor.
Things you’ll need to defrost beef sticks
To fully defrost the jerky, simply move your freezer container of beef sticks from the freezer to the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
How to reheat beef sticks?
Actually, there is no need to reheat the thawed beef sticks; instead, it is advised to consume them right away to avoid any risk of spoilage.
Since beef jerky is a dried food with little to no water, freezing it for an extended period of time could result in your beef becoming cold rather than solidly frozen, so some people choose to consume it immediately after taking it out of the freezer.
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