Snacking, for many people, is a way to refuel. Fitting in smaller meals between larger ones helps maintain energy levels and also prevents overeating. There are hundreds of options to choose from — some sweet, some savoury— but right now, protein snacks are having a moment. Unlike sugary or high-carb snacks, protein-based ones are lower in calories, keep you full longer, and also help with cell repair and muscle growth.
Enter: Biltong. Followers of the ketogenic (popularly known as keto) diet might have just put this savoury snack in the spotlight but biltong isn’t new. “Biltong was first created or invented in South Africa over 400 years ago by the Dutch settlers. The meat was preserved then by only curing it with salt and hanging it to dry. Biltong gets its name from Dutch and Afrikaans. ‘Bil’ meaning rump or better known as beef and ‘tong’ meaning strip or tongue, [therefore] ‘strip of beef'. Do not worry, it is not made from actual beef tongue," explains Harold Edwin van Rooyen of Spinneys.
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Listed as one of the top ten Southern African foods to try, biltong is one of many dried meat snacks. “Biltong, dry wors (dry sausages), chilli bites all are forms of dried, cured meats with their own unique shapes, taste and forms. [They are available as] whole pieces, sticks, slices, dry sausages in all lengths and thickness or just simple bite-sized nibbles.”
"The predominant flavours are salt, pepper, coriander and notes of vinegar."
An iconic snack in South Africa, biltong is also popular in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, but not all countries follow the same process or recipe. “Each has their own unique way of cutting, marinating, curing, drying, [as well as] fat content, moisture content and spices that are added or used,” points out Harold. “Various types of meat are used too, ranging from beef and veal to game meats such as ostrich or kudu, shark and even chicken.”
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In addition to meat, there are several other ingredients used to make biltong. "Your main ingredients are vinegar, salt, crushed black pepper, whole or crushed coriander and bicarbonate of soda. From there you can start adding your own ‘secret’ ingredients such as paprika, dried herbs, sugar, chilli, Worcestershire sauce," adds Harold.
At Spinneys, top-notch meat like grass-fed beef with no added hormones is used. The biltong is prepared in its central production facility in temperature and moisture controlled rooms and strict procedures are followed during the mixing, marinating (which takes up to days), and curing process. Prior to raw ingredients being selected, the technical and compliance team visit suppliers’ facilities to ensure Spinneys’ customers receive the best possible products. For example, the spices used have no artificial colours, flavours, or MSG.
Biltong is often compared to beef jerky but he's quick to explain: “Biltong is normally (but this can differ) sliced a lot thicker, comes as whole big pieces or chunks that are cured with vinegar, salt and pepper and then hung on hooks in a controlled environment to dry to your desired moisture content. Beef jerky on the other hand are thin slices of meat marinated, smoked and then cooked. It tends to lay towards a more sweeter taste on the palate".
Though described as hard and chewy, the snack has found a loyal following, especially among those on keto (low carb and high fat) and paleo (high protein and low carb) diets.
Instead of reaching for a bag of crips or a packet of biscuits the next time you’re hungry, why not try biltong. “It is a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals all while being low in carbs. It’s a very healthy alternative, when enjoyed in moderation, to other savoury snacks in the market.”
Biltong isn’t messy to eat, which makes it the perfect grab and go snack, but fans have found their own creative uses for the cured and dried meat such as adding it to hot dishes like spaghetti carbonara, shakshouka, and quiche. It can also be shredded and tossed in salads or layered on your favourite type of bread.
SpinneysFOOD moist traditional beef biltong is available online and in stores. Buy here.
