Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently

Questions are not stupid. Although sometimes the answers are. But don't hesitate to ask. If we can answer you, we will. If we don't know the answer, we'll do our best to find out.

We've added here a selection of some of the more general questions we've been asked over the (nearly 10 years)since we started making jerky and other snack products.

So let's start with the biggest. What is Jerky? And Why is it becoming so popular?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jerky?

Jerky describes a preservation method - used perhaps initially by the Native Americans.
Jerky is meat that has been dried. In olden times, it would have been dried under the American sun. Today, it is dried using specially developed ovens which blast hot dry air over the meat to remove the moisture.
Because the moisture has been removed, bugs can't grow (they need moisture just like you and me). So it keeps for a long time in this dried state.
When you put it into your mouth you return the meat to it's pre-dried state, that is you return the moisture to it. So it turns back into its original state.
Why is it becoming so popular?
Like all things American, they have global reach. Jerky is usually made from meat, with a low carbohydrate value and a high protein value. As such, it can help suppress appetite, so can be helpful as part of a diet.
So is it good for diets?
Our jerky is made from very low fat beef and venison. Beef and venison are naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Protein has been found to 'suppress' hunger pangs for longer than carb rich foods. So it could mean you want to eat less.
Why is it called 'Jerky'?
No-one really knows!
But Mary Bell - a well known writer on Jerky - believes it came from the word 'Charqui' (pronounced 'shar-kee') in Mexican Spanish. But there are other possibilities. The Carribean people use a piquant sauce called 'jerk'. Could this be linked? Although it may be a strange word, it's the product you're really interested in, isn't it?
What does jerky 'go with'?
Lots of things. We've had the following suggestions for Jerky and Drink combinations sent to us.
Hot Chilli Beef and Malt whisky

Beef Jerky Original & Bloody Mary

Venison Cracked Black Pepper and Champagne!
Is it safe to eat?

Well it's been around for hundreds (maybe more) of years.
As jerky has been dried, so with a low level of moisture, bugs can't grow. Of course, if it regains its moisture, it becomes just like normal meat. This is the reason we advise not putting jerky into the fridge - which contains lots of moisture.
So jerky is safe.
Always check the label to see what's been added.
What goes into ScottishJerky.com jerky?
We use a very small number of ingredients of the highest quality in the production of our jerky. These would include soy sauce, sea salt, pepper, and a few herbs and spices, such as chilli, or cracked black pepper. Our jerky is basically 99% (and the rest) beef and venison.
Does it make you thirsty?
Some people say it does, some it doesn't. While it is drier than most foods you eat, it still contains moisture so you're still putting water INto your system as you eat jerky.
When should I eat it?
Eat it anytime. It's lightweight, so many people use it as a backup source of nutrition. Lots of protein goodness and very little weight to carry.
Munch away when watching your favourite tv prog. Eastenders, or Corrie goes even better with some jerky.
How is it made?

Well we slice, marinade, and air dry before vacuum or MAP packing our products.
We slice up whole pieces of meat into manageable pieces. We then marinate using marinades we've developed ourselves over time. Next we air dry in our oven and pack the jerky immediately it's dried to keep it safe and tasty.
Who used it first?
Probably Native Americans or Mexicans but it became famous in modern times because it helped open up the American West!
As the old trekkers roved around they usually had some jerky in their saddlebags. Today's Jerky is no longer left out in the sun for three days, as it was then. But is still just as delicious to eat as you carry out your own wild leisure pursuits.
Take some on your treks!
Whether your passion is hill-walking, skiing, cycling, mountainbiking, fishing or watching television, take some jerky along and you've always got something tasty and nutritious to chew on.
What are the circles on your jerky?
These are caused by the trays. The jerky (as it dries) sinks into the tray and the perforation holes in the trays imprint on the meat.
Why is your jerky cut so much thinner than most?
It means the taste comes through quicker and for less chewing.
What is the nutrional value of your jerky?
Generally it is high in protein, low in fat and low in carbohyrate. To view the numbers, have a look at our nutritional values page.