What Happens to Biltong if Left Out?

Biltong, a beloved South African snack, has gained popularity worldwide for its rich flavour and high protein content. However, it's natural to wonder about its shelf life and whether it can go off. In this blog post, we'll delve into the factors that affect the freshness of biltong and how to ensure it stays delicious for as long as possible.

What is Biltong?

Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly recap what biltong is. Biltong is a type of air-dried, cured meat that originated in South Africa. It is typically made from beef, although other meats can also be used. The meat is marinated in a blend of vinegar, salt, and spices, then air-dried to perfection. This process not only enhances its flavour but also helps to preserve the meat.

Can Biltong Go Off?

Yes, biltong can go off, but it has a relatively long shelf life compared to other meat products. The drying process removes much of the moisture from the meat, which helps to prevent bacterial growth. However, biltong is still susceptible to spoilage if not stored properly.

Factors Affecting Biltong’s Shelf Life

Humidity

Hong Kong is incredibly humid, which puts your biltong at risk of spoiling if not properly stored. Humidity can cause biltong to become damp, making it a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.

Storage Conditions

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of biltong. Here’s how you can store it effectively:

For Sliced Biltong

If unopened, Aitch's Biltong can last for up to 6 months, or until the Best Before date indicated, when stored at room temperature. No refrigeration is necessary. At Aitch's, we use oxygen absorbers within our packaging (the little white square bag) to ensure that our products stay fresh for longer before opening.

We recommend that once opened, you store your product in a cool dry place (like your fridge) and consume within 5-7 days.

For Biltong Slabs

When unopened, your biltong slabs can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 6 months, or until the Best Before date indicated.

Once opened, we recommend transferring it from the vacuum-sealed bag to a cool, dry place, such as your refrigerator, and consuming it within 5-7 days. Should you notice any white spots, a dab of vinegar can effectively remove them.

For the best taste experience, it's recommended to enjoy freshly sliced biltong within a day of slicing. To maintain optimal flavour, slice whole pieces as needed, as this preserves the integrity of the biltong. Whenever possible, opt to store larger whole pieces instead of pre-sliced biltong, as they better retain the unique characteristics of biltong, resulting in a vastly superior taste compared to slices that have been stored for days.

Tips to Keep Aitch's Biltong Fresh

• Keep the Bag or Container Closed: to prevent pests and maintain freshness.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store biltong in a dark place to prevent heat and light from degrading the meat.
• Use Airtight Containers: If transferring biltong from its original packaging, use airtight containers to keep it fresh longer.

Aitch's Biltong: Fresh and Natural

At Aitch's Biltong, we are committed to providing high-quality biltong made in Hong Kong, for Hong Kong. Our biltong is free from MSG and nitrates, and we only use natural mold inhibitors and oxygen removers to keep our product fresh and safe to enjoy. In the unlikely event of any issues, we are here to investigate and address them promptly.

By understanding the factors that affect biltong's shelf life and following the storage tips outlined above, you can enjoy our biltong for longer.