Jerky Post cooking question(s)

JF7FSU · July 29, 2009, 08:39:56 PM

Okay I have my jerky almost done. I cured using HM. When I finish it I am pretty sure it should be refrigerated. I read that I should use a paper bag to store it in. So do I put it in a paper bag then in the fridge? Or in a paper bag inside a ziploc? I have a food saver. Can I just seal it in that and leave it outside like commercial jerky? I'm a bit clueless in the storage of it. Also can I freeze jerky?

Gizmo · July 29, 2009, 10:45:54 PM

I put the jerky in a paper bag for several hours or over night after wiping with a paper towl. This allows the oils to be absorbed. After that, I vacuum pack what I won't be eating within the next week and toss those in the freezer. The rest I keep in zip lock bags althought this is probably not the official best way. I eat it up fast enough that I have not had a problem with spoilage. Don't keep the jerky in the refrigerator out in the open or in a paper bag for more than a couple days. The fridge will dry out the jerky and make it brittle and bad in texture. This is especially true for Ground Meat Jerky.

FLBentRider · July 30, 2009, 03:26:34 AM

I keep ours in a ziplock bag in the fridge.

It doesn't last long enough to go bad.

I'm sure you could freeze it.

mikeradio · July 30, 2009, 07:45:42 AM

I paper bag for one day then vacum seal in small batches and keep it all in the fridge. When I open one bag it is enough jerky for that day. Helps to keep everything nice and fresh.

Mike

JF7FSU · July 30, 2009, 12:18:55 PM

Ok thanks for the information, one more question. When I added the HM cure to the jerky doesnt that preserve it? i.e. why does it have to be refrigerated at all? I guess i thought like comercial jerky I could seal it and it would stay good for a long time? Since no one here has mentioned this is ok I have to assume even with the cure it will go bad? Thanks!

NePaSmoKer · July 30, 2009, 01:52:52 PM

Plastic zipper bags promote mold, moisture and bacteria growth. Jerky should be in the amish paper bag, glass or plastic container with holes in the lid.

nepas

smokeitall · July 30, 2009, 06:50:26 PM

Hey Nepas do you keep that in the fridge or on the counter?

NePaSmoKer · July 31, 2009, 04:31:15 AM

Quote from: smokeitall on July 30, 2009, 06:50:26 PM
Hey Nepas do you keep that in the fridge or on the counter?

Its on the counter.

nepas

FLBentRider · July 31, 2009, 05:53:37 AM

NePas:

Do you always use Potassium sorbate ?

NePaSmoKer · July 31, 2009, 07:28:33 AM

Quote from: FLBentRider on July 31, 2009, 05:53:37 AM
NePas:

Do you always use Potassium sorbate ?

Only when i ship jerky or its going to be on the counter for awhile.

nepas

FLBentRider · July 31, 2009, 07:40:01 AM

Quote from: NePaSmoKer on July 31, 2009, 07:28:33 AM
Quote from: FLBentRider on July 31, 2009, 05:53:37 AM
NePas:

Do you always use Potassium sorbate ?

Only when i ship jerky or its going to be on the counter for awhile.

nepas

Thanks