You want your jerky to maintain its flavor and consistency whether you make it yourself or prefer to purchase it locally. Making and storing jerky (dehydrated meat) properly should extend its shelf life.
If jerky is properly stored (in an airtight container away from heat), dehydrated (removal of the liquid from the meat), and cured (commonly done as part of marination), it can last up to 2 years.
It is advised that you consume homemade jerky within two months. It can last as long as jerky purchased at the store if it is made properly and vacuum sealed. Jerky that is made and packaged for sale can last between one and two years. Jerky for Survival Preps: Shelf Life, Storage and Uses.
How Long Does Beef Jerky Last?
Whether beef jerky is homemade or purchased from a store will determine how long it will last. Generally, commercial beef jerky is best enjoyed within one year.
However, we advise eating the jerky within six months of purchase to enjoy its premium flavor and textures.
On the other hand, if you store homemade beef jerky in an airtight container after making it, it should last for one to two months. Beef jerky will last about a week if you keep it in your pantry in a Ziplock bag. Additionally, you can anticipate your beef jerky to last one to two weeks if you keep it in the refrigerator.
Check out our turkey jerky if you’re looking for an alternative to beef jerky!
How to Tell if Beef Jerky is Still Good
It can be difficult to determine whether beef jerky is still safe to consume. Beef jerky doesn’t always exhibit obvious signs of deterioration, unlike regular cooked meat, which develops an odor if not consumed promptly.
The beef jerky may have gone bad if its color has changed, or if it has grown darker or harder. Sometimes there may be a faint odor to spoiled beef jerky.
Check the package’s expiration date every time you buy beef jerky, whether you did so online or in a physical store. The bottom seal of the bag is typically where you’ll find the expiration date. But keep in mind that just because the beef jerky has passed its use-by date doesn’t mean it’s dangerous to consume. Simply put, the “best-by” date denotes when the jerky is at its freshest.
Check the jerky package for any rips or tears as well. If you discover any, this could mean that the jerky has degraded because moisture got inside the bag.
How to Store Beef Jerky
You must concentrate on proper storage if you want your beef jerky to last as long as possible. Here are the different methods for storing beef jerky:
Using a vacuum seal bag to store your beef jerky may be the best option. You can preserve your jerky’s softness and tenderness by using vacuum seal bags to keep moisture in and air out.
The only drawback is that vacuum sealers can be rather pricey; a new one typically costs between $100 and $200. However, it’s well worth the investment if you intend to make a lot of beef jerky or other foods that require sealing.
We advise freezing the vacuum seal bag of beef jerky if you want it to last even longer. Your beef jerky can last up to a year using this technique.
Mason Jars/Dry Cans
You can keep beef jerky for months by dry canning it in a mason jar or other dry container. Plus, this method is much more affordable than vacuum sealing. What you must do to store your jerky in mason jars is as follows:
- Set your oven to 350 F.
- Mason jars with lids removed should be placed on a cookie sheet.
- Place the jars in the oven for about 10 minutes.
- Put on mitts as you take the jars out of the oven, then quickly stuff them with your jerky strips.
- After tightly sealing the jars’ tops, let them cool to room temperature. As the mason jars cool, they’ll create a vacuum seal. The jars are creating the seal if you hear popping noises.
After sealing it, you can keep the beef jerky in the refrigerator or on a shelf in the pantry.
Ziplock or Paper Bag
If you’re in a hurry, you can also store beef jerky in zip-top or paper bags. If you intend to eat the jerky soon, this method is a great choice because it will keep the food fresh for 3–4 weeks.
You can always add a food-grade desiccant bag to the paper bag or Ziplock bag if you discover that your jerky is a little too moist.
How to Make Your Beef Jerky Last Longer
Here are some additional steps you can take to extend the shelf life of your beef jerky:
Fat is detrimental to the preservation of beef jerky. Fat spoils quickly and can hasten the rate at which the beef jerky turns rancid. Before drying your jerky, buy lean meat and remove all the fat to avoid this problem.
To give beef jerky an additional year or more of shelf life, the majority of commercial producers use a cure made of sodium nitrate. The sodium nitrate prevents bacteria from harboring in the meat. Although making your own cure is not advised, you can buy beef jerky online or at your neighborhood supermarket.
The cure also contributes to the beef jerky’s redder hue and flavor.
Dry It Right
Generally speaking, beef jerky will last longer the longer it is dried. However, avoid over-drying your beef jerky because doing so will make it very chewy. To make the jerky last longer, dry it to the desired texture and concentrate on proper storage.
Additionally, make sure your beef jerky is kept in a dry, cool space, like a pantry. If you leave jerky out in the sun, the condensation it creates inside the bag can breed mold.
Time to Store Your Beef Jerky!
Your beef jerky should have a long shelf life if you follow these storage recommendations.
Check out our products if you’re looking to buy beef jerky with a long shelf life!
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Jerky for Survival Preps: Shelf Life, Storage and Uses.
FAQ
How long will homemade beef jerky last if vacuum-sealed and frozen?
We advise freezing the vacuum seal bag of beef jerky if you want it to last even longer. Your beef jerky can last up to a year using this technique.
Can you vacuum seal homemade beef jerky?
Beef jerky is non-perishable. Unlike perishable foods, which have an expiration date, jerky has a “best-by” date, which designates the window of time during which it is at its freshest. It begins to lose flavor, texture, and freshness after the best date has passed, which is typically one year after the date of production.
Can beef jerky last 10 years?
Homemade jerky should be kept in an airtight container out of the heat, humidity, and sunlight. A resealable plastic freezer bag is the most dependable, practical, and efficient way to store homemade jerky.