Beef Jerky on Weber Gas Grill

Beef jerky is a sort of jerky, which is a light, dried meat product that has already been trimmed of fat, cut into uniform strips, and dried to keep it from spoiling.

Beef jerky has grown in popularity among campers, backpackers, hikers, and other outdoor sports lovers who need a high-protein source that is easily transportable and consumed while on the go.

But can beef jerky go bad?

The answer is yes. Beef jerky is widely known to last for a long time; however, it does go bad like other foods, regardless of how well they are produced, packed, and stored. According to the USDA guidelines , commercial beef jerky can be kept for up to 1-2 years before becoming unsafe for consumption.

In addition, it is worth noting that due to the professional production processes and government-regulated procedures used for commercial jerky, it normally lasts a longer time than homemade versions.

On the other hand, Homemade beef jerky is typically produced in a small food dehydrator or a warm oven. These procedures are ideal for making edible beef jerky, but the finished product will only stay for up to two months before it becomes unsafe for human consumption.

Beef jerky is a high protein, nutrient-dense snack that lasts for years and does not go rancid as easily as other perishable foods like eggs, cheese, milk, and bread. Hence, it has become a snack loved by most people for centuries.

You can enjoy beef jerky for a long time, provided it is properly produced, packed, and stored. However, if it is not dehydrated or packed correctly, it can develop mold and go rancid in a short period. The fascinating thing is that it is relatively easy to ascertain if a bag of beef jerky is still good and when it has gone bad.

So, how do you know if your beef jerky has gone bad?

If you open the pack of your beef jerky and discover a black or white spot on the meat or a crop of little hair-like stuff on it, then it is time to dispose of it right away. Likewise, if it has become much tougher than normal and has a foul odor, then your snack has hit the end of its shelf life. Do not eat it to avoid risking your health. If you care about your health, a good rule of thumb is to throw it away if you are unsure.

Additionally, inspect the packaging for any rips or holes. If the package has been tampered with in some way—rips, incorrect seal, pinholes, or tears—it indicates that oxygen and moisture could have penetrated the container, possibly causing problems. It's not a certainty that the beef jerky has gone bad, but it's a warning flag worth noting.

What will happen if you eat bad beef jerky?

Eating bad beef jerky is the last thing you should consider because spoiled beef jerky can harbor many harmful bacterias like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, which can make you ill.

Food poisoning is a horrible occurrence that no one wants to have. Unfortunately, significant quantities of beef have been recalled more than once as a result of Salmonella contamination.

An example of this was a food poisoning outbreak in 1995 when a bad batch of beef jerky was made in New Mexico, and it was infected with Salmonella bacteria. As a result, two people fell sick, to the extent that the government deemed it necessary to issue a warning to all New Mexico consumers about the problem. Fortunately, this outbreak was limited to a single brand, and a recall was issued before many people became sick.

However, none of this is likely to occur because once you take a bite of some bad beef jerky, you will probably spit it out right away. After all, it'll not taste good. Note, even a dog can distinguish between good and bad meat, so it isn't that difficult. Aside from that, there is research to show that beef jerky is healthy when appropriately prepared.

How can you store beef jerky to prolong its shelf life?

The best way to store your beef jerky to last beyond its shelf life is to allow it in its initial vacuum-sealed packaging. Then have it stored in a dark, cool place(like the pantry), away from the microwave and other appliances, as well as direct sunlight.

If you intend to store it for an even more extended period, then freeze it until ready to use. However, freezing beef jerky can affect the taste of dehydrated beef, and some experts even advise against it.

Proper food storage has some great benefits , including eating healthier, improving the environment by reducing waste, cutting food costs, and lots more.

Conclusion

Beef jerky is loved mainly by outdoor sports enthusiasts due to its long-lasting property. Unfortunately, while jerky can last a long time, it does go rancid like other foods. So, if you discover that your beef jerky tastes awful, it means it has reached the end of its shelf life, and you are strongly advised to dispose of it immediately if you care for your health.

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Source: https://www.webergrillreview.com/can-beef-jerky-go-bad/

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