The key to store biltong to keep it fresh and flavorful is to keep it in a dry place where air can circulate around it. There are three main methods for storing biltong in order to preserve its taste and make it as delicious as possible.
Store Biltong
Biltong is a natural product made from meat and spices, and as such, it’s best to store it in a natural way. Here are three methods you can use to store biltong:
- Place the biltong in a wooden bowl on the table, and cover it with a cloth to protect it from dust and other contaminants.
- If you purchase biltong from a store, keep it in the original packaging or transfer it to a brown paper bag. This will allow the biltong to breathe and prevent it from becoming too moist or dry.
- If the biltong is vacuum-sealed and the packet is still intact, you can store it in the fridge. This will help extend its shelf life, but consume it within a few days of opening the packet.
By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your biltong stays fresh and delicious.
Biltong Mould
One thing to watch out for when storing biltong is the risk of mould growth. Mould can form on biltong when there is moisture present and insufficient air circulation, so it’s important to keep an eye on the moisture content of your biltong and ensure that it has adequate ventilation. The wetter the meat, the more likely it is to become mouldy.
If you do notice mould on your biltong, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent it from spreading. One way to remove mould from biltong is to rinse it in a mixture of vinegar and water. I like to use a ratio of 30% vinegar to 70% water. To do this, mix the vinegar and water in a bowl and then rinse the affected biltong, making sure to wipe off all the mold. Finally, pat the biltong dry and hang it to continue drying.
By storing your biltong properly and regularly checking for mold, you can help to ensure that your biltong stays fresh and delicious.
How Long Does Biltong Last?
Biltong is a shelf-stable snack, but it’s not immune to the risk of mold growth. Mould can start to form on biltong after 4 to 7 days, depending on the humidity and temperature of the storage environment. To prevent mould from forming on your biltong, it’s important to store it in a dry place with good air circulation. If you notice any signs of mould, such as a fuzzy or slimy texture, be sure to remove it promptly to prevent it from spreading.
By following proper storage techniques and regularly checking your biltong for mould, you can help to ensure that it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
How to Stop Mould From Forming
You can use one of the three methods below to ensure mould does not form.
- Keep your billies in a wooden bowl covered with a paper towel or cloth.
- Hang it in a location where air can circulate.
- Put your billies in a paper bag in a dark cupboard, this allows the meat to breathe, but you will need to eat it within a few days.
Make Sure You Have Airflow Around Your Biltong
Growing up in South Africa, I remember making biltong in the winter and hanging it in the garage rafters to dry. As a kid, I couldn’t wait for my uncle’s biltong to be ready – it seemed to take forever! The rafters provided a natural way for air to circulate around the biltong, which helped it to dry properly.
However, the damp and humid climate in the UK doesn’t lend itself well to making or preserving meat in the winter. When I tried hanging meat in my garage for the first time, I came home to find that the entire batch had gone moldy. This led me to redesign my biltong box to ensure that it provided adequate airflow and heat to remove moisture from the meat.
Now, when we make biltong, we cut it and store it in a brown paper bag in the cupboard until we’re ready to eat it. We also mix it up every few days to ensure that air circulates around the meat and helps to prevent mold from forming.
Should I Keep Biltong in The Fridge?
If you are storing biltong in the fridge, it is best to use vacuum bags and keep the bags sealed until you decide to eat them. Also, the wetter the meat is, the shorter the lifespan.
How Long Does Biltong Keep in The Fridge?
We recommend keeping moist biltong in vacuum bags in the fridge and seeing the Best Before dates.
Once opened, put it in an open bowl and mix it up a bit. Mix it up daily until consumed.
Do not leave an open packet of meat in its plastic bag. It will go rancid much quicker than if kept correctly.
Can You Freeze Biltong?
You can freeze biltong for up to a year. Storing biltong in the freezer will add to its shelf life. When you decide to defrost your billies, it will release a lot of moisture.
Make sure the packet is open with as much natural airflow as possible. Also, ensure any moisture evaporates, allowing the stick to thaw out.
Keep on mixing it around and loosening the bundle of meat. Daub with a kitchen towel if you can to remove any excess moisture.
Now that you know how to preserve your biltong, it will taste great and still have the freshness and be full of flavour until you are ready to eat it
In conclusion, mold can be a common issue when storing biltong, but it’s easy to prevent with the right storage techniques. By keeping your biltong in a dry, well-ventilated location, such as a wooden bowl covered with a cloth or paper towel, or hanging it in a location where air can circulate freely, you can help to prevent mould from forming. If you notice mold on your biltong, remove it promptly to prevent it from spreading.
If you’re interested in making your own biltong at home, check out our biltong maker. You can enjoy fresh, delicious biltong anytime, anywhere with the right equipment and proper storage techniques. If you need a biltong cutter we have a review too.
