What is the ideal cut of meat for biltong?
The ideal cut of meat for biltong is a lean cut, such as silverside. The meat should be cut into thick strips, along the grain, to ensure that it holds together during the drying process.
How long should the meat dry for the perfect biltong?
The drying time for biltong can vary depending on the humidity of your environment and the thickness of your meat strips. Typically, drying should take between 3-5 days. However, it's important to check your biltong regularly during the drying process. The perfect biltong should be slightly soft in the middle, with a dry outer layer. You can expect to lose approximately 55% of its original weight.
How do I maintain my drying unit for optimal performance?
To maintain your drying unit for optimal performance, you should clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent any build-up of mould or bacteria. It's also important to keep the unit in a well-ventilated area to ensure that the air can circulate freely. If your unit has a fan or a lightbulb, these should be checked regularly to ensure they're working properly. Also, avoid overloading the unit, as this can hinder the drying process.
What's the best way to store home-made biltong?
Once your biltong is dry, it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh. Biltong should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. It's best to store biltong in a paper bag or cloth bag, which allows the biltong to 'breathe' and prevents it from becoming too moist. It's also a good idea to store biltong in smaller batches, so you only open what you'll consume within a couple of days. I fyou want to keep biltong for a long time, you can also freeze it. If stored correctly, biltong can last for several weeks.