Characteristics of Gran Carne Seca

You see jerky packages on the shelves of convenience stores and supermarkets, and it’s always the same two or three brands.

But did you know that there are easily a thousand different brands of jerky that are sold all over the United States? Some more expensive and others more limited in quantity.

How do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth for an expensive brand of jerky? How can you tell the difference between a good jerky and a cheap jerky?

Does it taste like real meat? – Most major brands of jerky are so full of sugar, tenderizers, and preservatives that they wash out all the natural flavors in the meat. Bite into a piece of jerky and see if you can taste the true flavor of beef, just like you would with a piece of grilled steak or grilled tri-tip.

Does it chew like real meat? – Some brands of jerky have so much sugar that it becomes rubbery, like eating a chewed up fruit, or they have been cooked for too long and fall apart. Many times, brands will add meat tenderizers that make it too musky. A good jerky should feel like eating a real piece of steak once it has been chewed to a soft mass.

What’s that stringy stuff?” – Mass-produced jerky uses low grades of beef full of stringy tendons, rubbery gristle, and impossible-to-chew tissues. Worse, you can find large chunks and marbling of fat. On the other hand, good jerky should be absolutely lean, practically pure meat.It’s okay to have little specks and marblings of fat, as this will add a “meaty” flavor, but too much fat will make the meat taste rancid.

Does it live up to its advertised flavor?” – When a package of jerky says “spicy” then it should be hot, not medium hot or somewhat hot, or just barely hot, but HOT. Same with teriyaki. brands only use sweetened soy sauce and don’t bother to add the mirin wine and ginger that make for a good teriyaki.

Does it require heavy machinery to chew?” – In the old days, it might have been acceptable to have hard jerky. But these days, most gourmet brands can make plain, all-natural beef jerky into a tender, moist chew, which it still retains the chewy texture of a grilled steak. If your jaws get too tired, then find something easier to chew.

Does it contain condoms? – Sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate are common preservatives used in processed meats, including jerky. But these days vacuum packaging and oxygen absorbers can increase the shelf life of jerky, consumers don’t have to put themselves through these ingredients.

Does it make you want to eat more? – Perhaps the true test of a good jerky is whether it makes you want to eat more, like eating French fries. I call this “snackability,” a characteristic where you find yourself eating piece after piece without the ability to stop. Jerky is a snack, and if it satisfies your urge to snack, then you’ve found a fine jerky.