What’s the average shelf life of jerky in your subscription box?
Turning fresh meat into jerky is a great way to preserve it for long periods without having to refrigerate or freeze it. This can make jerky a very useful snack, especially for hikers and travelers.
The shelf life of jerky is determined by its moisture content and the curing process used. When it is vacuum-sealed, commercial jerky can last up to a year.
How long does jerky stay fresh?
Unopened jerky can last up to a year if stored in a cool, dry place. Store-bought varieties have preservatives to extend their shelf life. Homemade jerky is less likely to last long, but it can still be stored for several months in airtight bags or a vacuum sealer.
Jerky is often made from lean meat strips, as this prevents bacteria from growing. Jerky is also dried to reduce water content, which stops disease-causing microorganisms from forming. It is important that the jerky has a water activity (aw) level below 0.85, to ensure it’s safe to consume.
Once you open a jerky subscription box package of jerky, it should be stored in the refrigerator. It can be kept in a Ziplock bag to keep out moisture and oxygen, or in a vacuum sealer for longer storage. A good way to tell if jerky is bad is by smelling it or looking for any mold. If it smells bad or looks moldy, it is probably spoiled and should be thrown away.
How long does jerky stay good after opening?
Store-bought jerky can last up to one year unopened, but once it’s opened the shelf life shortens. It can still be stored at room temperature, but it’s important to follow proper storage guidelines to prevent spoilage. Some signs that jerky has gone bad include an unpleasant smell or mold. It’s also a good idea to check the expiration or best-by date on the package.
Jerky can be stored in paper bags or airtight containers like mason jars or zip lock bags. It’s also possible to add food grade oxygen absorbers to these containers, which helps eliminate excess oxygen that can cause bacteria to grow and extends the shelf life of jerky even further.
Jerky doesn’t usually show the same signs of spoilage as other foods, so it can be harder to tell when it has gone bad. However, if the jerky has an unpleasant smell or is moldy, it’s definitely time to throw it out.
How long does jerky stay good at room temperature?
Properly made jerky, with all the moisture removed, will last for months or even years at room temperature. However, without commercial preservatives, jerky will mold and go bad quickly if exposed to water or other contaminants.
When purchasing a package of jerky, look for a best-by date on the label. This is based on when the jerky will be at its best and still have good flavor. Jerky can safely be eaten past the best-by date, but will not taste as fresh.
Shelf life of homemade jerky will vary depending on how it is packaged and stored. Storing it in zip lock bags or mason jars will help to keep it airtight, which extends the shelf life. Adding food grade oxygen absorbers to the packaging will further reduce the amount of air, which helps prevent bacteria growth. Recording the date of preparation can also be helpful for homemade jerky storage purposes. Generally, unopened beef jerky will last for up to a year at room temperature.
How long does jerky stay good in the fridge?
When it comes to protein-rich snacks, jerky is an all-time favorite. It’s delicious, healthy, and doesn’t need to be refrigerated, making it the perfect snack for on-the-go situations. However, many people are unaware that jerky does not last forever. Jerky is preserved through a process called dehydration. This method removes moisture from the meat, preventing bacterial and fungal growth and keeping the jerky fresh.
Unopened jerky can last up to a year, though it is recommended that you consume the jerky before the best-by date on the package. If you keep the jerky in the fridge after opening, it can last for up to a week.
You can tell when jerky has gone bad by doing a sniff test. If it smells rancid or off, it is likely spoiled and should be thrown away. You can also check the jerky for signs of mold or wet spots. If the jerky is wet or sticky, it should be thrown away immediately.