What is the shelf life of your jerky subscription?
A beef jerky subscription is a great gift idea for anyone who loves jerky and wants to try different flavors. Jerky has a long shelf life and can last for a year or more if stored properly.
To extend the shelf life of jerky, it can be stored in plastic bags or jars with oxygen absorbers.
Expiration Date
Jerky is a great snack to have on hand as it can last longer than other foods. It is important to understand its shelf life and how to properly store it to ensure that the jerky stays fresh.
A key factor in the longevity of jerky is its moisture content. Lower moisture levels inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mold from growing. Jerky also benefits from the use of preservatives and sealed packaging which further extends its shelf life.
If unopened and stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry or refrigerator, beef jerky can last up to a year. If kept in the freezer, jerky can last up to two years.
A jerky subscription is the perfect gift for any meat-lovers you know. Choose a monthly shipment plan to get delicious, premium artisan jerky delivered right to their door. When ordering, you can add a personalized gift note for free to tell them just how much you care.
Best By Date
Jerky’s low moisture content and curing process allow it to resist spoilage more than other meat products. However, it doesn’t last forever. Despite its long shelf life, all jerky still needs to be stored properly in order to maintain its quality.
Commercially packaged jerky typically comes with a best by date, which indicates when the jerky will begin to lose its flavor and texture rather than when it becomes unsafe to consume. Whether you choose a jerky of the month subscription or want to buy some premium artisan jerky for yourself, always check the best by date before eating it.
Keep in mind that a jerky’s shelf life can be extended even further with refrigeration and freezing. Refrigerated jerky can last up to four months, while freezer jerky can last up to two years. Moreover, if you notice that your jerky has wet spots or has a sour smell, don’t eat it as it could contain bacteria and mold.
Temperature
While beef jerky does not spoil easily, it is still important to store it correctly to extend its shelf life. Exposure to moisture, extreme heat, and air can cause the jerky to degrade and spoil. Keeping your jerky stored in a cool, dark place and in an airtight container can help prevent this from occurring.
Refrigeration can also extend the shelf life of your jerky, especially when it is vacuum sealed. Jerky that is vacuum sealed can last for up to one year in the refrigerator. Jerky that is not vacuum sealed can only be stored in the fridge for about two weeks.
If you are making your own jerky, it is best to use lean meats as fat will spoil more quickly. It is also recommended to dry the jerky completely before storing it. This can be achieved by using a dehydrator or by placing it in a plastic bag with oxygen absorbers before sealing it in an airtight container.
Storage
If the jerky is sealed in an airtight container, it can last for up to a year in room temperature. It will also last longer if you freeze it. Exposure to moisture and oxygen will speed up the spoilage process, however, so if you store jerky in a freezer, be sure to label it and use an oxygen absorber or dehydrator.
Once a package of jerky is opened, it needs to be eaten as soon as possible. Homemade jerky, which does not have the same preservatives as commercial varieties, will typically only last up to two months after opening.
If your jerky starts to have an unpleasant odor, that is a clear sign that it has gone bad and should be discarded. Never eat expired jerky as it can contain harmful bacteria that could make you sick.