The answer to the question of whether beef jerky is cooked may seem obvious to most, but you’d be surprised how often it is asked. Most people just want to verify they are not eating anything raw, which they aren’t. So the simplest answer is yes, as beef jerky is not raw. Yet it is not “cooked” in a conventional manner such as in an oven or on a stovetop as one might believe. Our beef jerky is smoked.

Answering this question allows the opportunity to explain the process and attention to detail that is needed to make world-class jerky.

Our Beef Jerky is Smoked, Not Dehydrated

The beef jerky process begins by thinly slicing beef strips and trimming almost all of the fat off. As fat does not “dry”, it would not allow the product to cure well. Only top and bottom beef rounds are used in our beef jerky so the fat content is minimal anyway. Next, the beef strips are marinated or rubbed in spices, depending on the flavor.

To complete the process, our beef is placed on racks inside a large smoker for a few hours. The low, slow cook and added hint of salt and brown sugar effectively kills bacteria. Quality jerky is finished when the smoking process has reached the appropriate moisture content required by the USDA.

Say No to Nitrates

When shopping for beef jerky, look for high quality ingredients that you recognize. Lower quality jerky is known to use artificial flavors and preservatives to make their jerky look and taste better. A short, simple list of ingredients is best. Our jerky does not contain nitrates or preservatives, it is free from Monosodium Glutamate and we do not use fillers or anything else in our quality products besides lean strips of meat and a few spices. In fact, our beef jerky shows to contain less salt than other commercial manufacturers.

Say Yes to Good Food

Being low in fat and moisture makes beef jerky a high protein food. It’s also flavorful, doesn’t need refrigeration (until opened) and is incredibly light to pack around. Beef jerky is a favorite among campers, hikers, fishing enthusiasts and road trippers. Besides a good snack, it is great to mince and add to pastas and as a salad topper.

We believe in our product. Go ahead, look on the website, all of our ingredients are listed there. Our suppliers and our facility are USDA/FDA approved and we guarantee our product 100 percent.

If you have a question, give us a call or send an email. We’d be happy to talk.