Beef jerky is a popular snack made from thin strips of beef that have been dried or dehydrated It has a long shelf life and is enjoyed for its chewy texture and savory, salty flavor. With the rise in popularity of home freeze drying machines like the Harvest Right, many jerky fans are wondering if you can freeze dry beef jerky and what the results would be. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freeze drying beef jerky at home
What Is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky originated as a way to preserve meat for long periods without refrigeration. Thin slices of beef are salt-cured or marinated in a salty wet brine, then slowly air dried or smoked until the moisture content drops substantially. This drying process inhibits bacterial growth, allowing the jerky to be stored at room temperature for months.
Traditionally beef jerky was made from whole cuts of beef that were very lean. Common cuts used include round sirloin tip, top round, bottom round, and eye of round. The meat is trimmed of visible fat before slicing to prevent premature spoilage. These days, highly processed ground and chopped beef blends are also often used to make jerky.
Modern commercial beef jerky is most often dried in ovens or dehydrators, resulting in a shelf-stable snack that is chewy and deeply flavored Traditionally-made jerky often uses only salt as a preservative, while commercial jerky may also contain sugar, spices, and preservatives like sodium nitrate
What Is Freeze Drying?
Freeze drying, which is also called lyophilization, is a low-temperature dehydration method that keeps foods’ nutritional value, textures, shapes, and flavors while removing water. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
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Food is first frozen solid, which halts bacterial growth and enzyme activity.
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The frozen food is then placed in a vacuum chamber and pressure is reduced. This causes the frozen water inside the food to transition from solid ice to water vapor via sublimation.
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The water vapor is then collected on condenser coils in the machine, leaving behind a dried food that retains up to 97% of its original nutritional value.
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Finally, the freeze dried food is sealed in an airtight container to prevent rehydration.
When you freeze-dry food, it becomes very light and has a crunchy, porous texture. It allows long-term storage at room temperature without refrigeration or preservatives. While the process preserves nutrients, it can alter texture and concentrated flavors.
Benefits of Freeze Drying Beef Jerky
Using a home freeze dryer like the Harvest Right to make beef jerky offers several unique benefits:
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Extended shelf life: Freeze dried jerky can last up to 25 years when properly sealed and stored, thanks to its extremely low moisture content. It does not require refrigeration or preservatives.
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Lower weight: Freeze drying removes up to 98% of the water weight from jerky, making it incredibly lightweight while concentrating the flavors.
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Changes in texture: The porous, crunchy, and crispy texture of freeze-dried foods is great for people who love jerky. Rehydrating it yields a tender, juicy jerky as well.
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Concentrated flavor: With very little moisture, the flavors of spices, marinades, and smoke concentrate intensely during freeze drying.
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Nutrient retention: Freeze drying preserves 97% of nutrients in jerky, with minimal vitamin loss compared to hot air drying methods.
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Food safety: The ultra-low moisture content of freeze dried jerky prevents bacterial growth, while the low temperatures protect nutrients.
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Ease of storage: The lightweight jerky takes up little space and can be vacuum sealed or stored in jars or reusable bags.
Is All Beef Jerky Suitable for Home Freeze Drying?
Not all beef jerky is equally well suited to freeze drying at home. Here are some factors that determine whether a particular jerky will freeze dry well:
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Whole muscle jerky: Jerky made from solid cuts of whole muscle is better than highly processed ground or chopped jerky blends.
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Low-fat cuts: Extra fat can go rancid over time, so stick to lean cuts like round, sirloin tip, london broil, or flank steak. Trim any visible fat before slicing.
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Salt content: Salt helps inhibit bacterial growth, so choose jerky with adequate salt content or salt it yourself. Teriyaki and sweet jerkies may need extra salt.
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Texture: Tender, moist whole muscle jerky freeze dries best. Drier, chewier jerky may turn out too crunchy or brittle when freeze dried.
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Ingredients: Jerky with few artificial ingredients and preservatives will retain better quality. Some spices can get bitter.
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Homemade jerky: For best control over ingredients and texture, consider making jerky yourself with lean beef and your favorite marinade.
Can You Freeze Dry Store Bought Beef Jerky?
Yes, it is possible to freeze dry store-bought beef jerky in a home freeze dryer. The results will vary depending on the specific jerky’s ingredients, texture, and manufacturing method.
To freeze dry store-bought jerky, look for whole muscle style jerky made from low-fat cuts like round or flank with minimal processing. Ideally the jerky will have just beef, salt, spices, and maybe a little sugar in the ingredients list. Avoid jerky with tons of preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial flavors. Also stay away from highly processed chopped and formed jerky blends.
Thicker, more tender jerky is ideal for freeze drying, while very dry and tough jerky may turn out too brittle. Always read labels and check the jerky’s texture before freeze drying. Prepare it according to appliance instructions and package for long term storage once dried.
With the right beef jerky, freeze drying concentrates flavors wonderfully and gives an appealing crispy, crunchy texture. Try sample sizes first to test results before freeze drying large batches. Adjust seasoning or marinade mixes as needed.
Step-By-Step Guide To Freeze Drying Beef Jerky
Follow this simple process to successfully freeze dry beef jerky at home:
1. Start with quality lean jerky
Make your own jerky from an extra-lean cut like eye of round or buy a premade whole muscle jerky variety. Choose jerky with just beef, salt, and spices in the ingredients. Avoid jerky with a lot of sugars or artificial flavors.
2. Prepare jerky for the freeze dryer
Cut store-bought jerky into smaller pieces if needed to fit tray dimensions. Homemade jerky strips can go in whole. Spread pieces in a single layer without overlapping or touching.
3. Freeze jerky completely
Place trays of jerky in the freezer for several hours until completely frozen solid. This halts any bacterial growth and prepares the jerky for dehydration.
4. Load trays into freeze dryer
Transfer frozen jerky trays into the freeze drying machine. Insert according to your appliance’s instructions.
5. Begin freeze drying cycle
Turn on appliance and select desired drying cycle based on jerky thickness. Most jerky will take 12-24 hours to fully freeze dry.
6. Check jerky occasionally
Periodically check jerky’s texture and moisture levels. It should get lighter in color and crispy as it dries out.
7. Remove and package jerky
Once freeze dried, the jerky will be brittle and crunchy. Carefully remove trays and transfer jerky to vacuum seal bags or mason jars.
8. Label and store
Label packages with the jerky variety and date. Store in a cool, dark place. Enjoy freeze dried jerky for up to 25 years!
Helpful Tips for Freeze Drying Beef Jerky
Follow these handy tips for best results freeze drying beef jerky:
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Trim every bit of visible fat from jerky before drying to prevent rancidity.
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Cut store-bought jerky into smaller pieces to speed up drying time.
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Salt homemade jerky adequately before marinating and drying.
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Use lean cuts like eye of round, sirloin tip, or flank steak to make jerky.
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Stick to basic spices like black pepper, garlic, red pepper, liquid smoke. Avoid sweet sauces.
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Make jerky strips 1⁄4 inch thick or less to shorten drying time.
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Preheat freezer and freeze jerky completely solid before loading trays.
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Let jerky finish drying completely before removing from appliance.
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Vacuum seal dried jerky in jars or bags for storage. Add oxygen absorbers.
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Label packages with jerky variety and date freeze dried.
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Store in cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat, or moisture.
How To Rehydrate Freeze Dried Beef Jerky
One unique advantage of freeze dried beef jerky is that it can be rehydrated back to a chewy texture if desired. Here’s how to do it:
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Take the desired amount of freeze dried jerky and cut into smaller pieces if very large.
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Add jerky to a bowl and pour over enough cool, filtered water to barely cover.
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Allow jerky to soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours until softened. Time varies based on thickness.
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Drain off any excess water and pat jerky pieces dry.
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Enjoy immediately for a tender, moist texture or dehydrate in a warm oven or food dehydrator to make pliable again.
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Store any unused rehydrated jerky in the refrigerator and use within a week. Discard pieces if any mold appears.
Play around with rehydration times to get the ideal chewy jerky texture you love. Freeze dried jerky absorbs water quickly, allowing enjoyment of two distinct textures from one batch.
Delicious Ways To Enjoy Freeze Dried Beef Jerky
Besides eating it straight from the package for a crunchy, concentrated snack, here are some creative ways to incorporate freeze dried beef jerky into meals and recipes:
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Rehydrate jerky in soups, stews, or chili for added protein and texture.
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Make homemade trail mixes with jerky pieces, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
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Powder extra-dry jerky in a blender or food processor to use as a smoky seasoning rub on meats.
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Add crumbled freeze dried jerky to salad recipes for a salty, savory topping.
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Mix jerky pieces into rice or quinoa dishes for extra flavor.
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Use powdered jerky to flavor popcorn seasoning or croutons.
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Make DIY instant ramen noodle cups with jerky for protein.
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Stuff rehydrated jerky slices into sandwiches and wraps.
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Garnish bloody mary cocktails with crispy freeze dried jerky strips.
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Craft homemade freezer freezer dried jerky Bark by adding it to melted chocolate, peanut butter, or candy coatings.
Let your creativity run wild when cooking with your homemade freeze dried beef jerky. The concentrated flavors and versatile textures lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freeze Dried Beef Jerky
Here are answers to some common questions about freeze drying beef jerky:
Does freeze dried jerky need to be refrigerated?
No, properly freeze dried jerky is shelf stable and does not require refrigeration due to its ultra-low moisture content.
How long does freeze dried jerky last?
Stored in airtight packaging in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat, it can last up to 25 years.
Can you eat freeze dried jerky without rehydrating?
Yes, freeze dried jerky in its dry state makes an excellent crunchy, crispy snack that concentrates the beefy, salty flavors.
Does freeze drying beef jerky cook it?
No, the very low temperatures do not actually cook or heat the meat. It simply draws moisture out via sublimation.
Is freeze dried jerky safe for dogs?
In moderation, the plain jerky is safe for dogs. Avoid flavored jerkies with toxic ingredients like onion, garlic, or artificial sweeteners.
Why does freeze dried jerky last so long?
The extremely low moisture content prevents any bacterial growth that could lead to spoilage or food poisoning.
Can you freeze dry raw meat?
It is not recommended to freeze dry raw meat at home due to the risk of dangerous bacterial growth during drying. Always start with cooked jerky.
The Verdict on Freeze Drying Beef Jerky
Freeze drying is an excellent preservation method that transforms ordinary beef jerky into a supersnack with an extra-long shelf life and concentrated flavors. While results will vary based on the jerky, freeze drying beef jerky at home gives you control over ingredients and introduces fun, new textures. With proper storage, you can enjoy deliciously beefy jerky for decades to come. Experiment until you perfect your favorite variety to make again and again!
