Biltong and Its Many Benefits
Are you looking for new snacks to munch on? Probably, the time has come when it seems like all the chips you buy in the grocery store have almost the same taste. From potato chips to corn chips and whole grain chips, name it. You must have started munching on them since you were a child. Indeed, life can be so boring when you don’t experience new things, including of course, new snacks.
If you haven’t yet tried biltong yet, your search for new snacks must be over. Some say it is quite similar with the more common beef jerky, but other swear that is not the case. So what is biltong really like?
What Is Bitlong?
With its origins from South Africa, this delicious meaty snack is a form of thinly sliced, cured and dried meat which can be beef and that of ostrich or kudu. Traditionally, it was prepared by rubbing salt on the meat and drying them until the Dutch introduced the use of vinegar, salt peter, and some spices like coriander, clove, and pepper. This curing process, together with drying, was a way to preserve food because there was no refrigeration yet. The word Biltong actually comes from the Dutch words, ‘bil’ and ‘tong’, which means buttocks and strip or tongue, respectively.
Today, biltong is made all around the world where there are more South African expats. However, some may have made changes as to how to make it. Moreover, other spices are also being used.
Biltong is eaten as snacks. However, it can also be cut and used in stew and pot bread. In South Africa, biltong are commonly bought in groceries.
What Are the Benefits of Biltong?
Biltong is not only a very delectable and filling snack. It also has many benefits on your health.
Biltong Has Very Low Fat Content
Unlike other ready-to-eat snacks, biltong has only 3% fats per 25 gram serving. This makes it exceptional when compared to other cured meat. It is truly an ideal option for people who value their health.
It Has High Protein Content
Snacking on biltong will surely boost your energy. Do you know that a 25 gram of this healthy snack can provide 50% of your daily protein requirement? That is, for sure, impressive for just a small piece of snack.
It Aids in Post-Exercise Recovery
Aside from the protein that gives you the energy during workout, Biltong is also packed with selenium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12. All these will help your body recover immediately after a heavy workout.
While they say biltong is very similar with beef jerky, it is not quite, really. It has thicker slices, air dried, and is not chewy.
