What Is Authentic Beef Jerky and Where to Find It

Everyone’s tastes are different, and that includes beef jerky lovers. Over the years, jerky enthusiasts and brands have played with recipes and put their spin on this classic snack. This includes creating the juicy, tender jerky that’s found in many stores today.

But many jerky enthusiasts aren’t looking for soft jerky that melts in their mouths. They want that ace-in-the-hole jerky that cowboys chewed on as they roamed the open range.

Enter authentic jerky.

It’s the kind of jerky that evokes memories of fishing by the river or hiking a mountain trail. It’s crafted to last, with each chew releasing a powerful dose of flavor. Frankly, it’s how jerky was intended to be, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

If your mouth is watering at the mere thought of authentic beef jerky, you’re in the right place. We’re going to show you what truly makes beef jerky authentic and where you can find it. That way, you’ll never have to go without it again!

What Is Authentic Beef Jerky?

The best things in life are the ones you work for, and that’s what authentic beef jerky is all about. It’s not tender, soft or made to devour quickly. Instead, it’s carefully crafted to linger in your mouth and enjoy over the long term.

Texture

A big part of the secret to authentic beef jerky lies in its texture. It needs to be tough, dry and rugged, without using any added ingredients to soften or tenderize it. Traditional jerky isn’t meant to be devoured quickly. It’s meant to provide a long-lasting chew.

The rip-and-pull texture isn’t just about making jerky last. It’s actually the key to unlocking its flavor. The longer you chew, the more saliva you produce.

This saliva intermingles with the smoked meat in your mouth, which releases the natural beef flavor. As a result, you get a multi-level tasting experience that many desire from traditional jerky.

Besides amplifying the taste, the rough-and-tough texture has another advantage. Since it takes longer to chew, it allows people to satisfy their hunger with fewer strips. This alone makes it a popular choice for hikers, hunters and fishers who need to stay fueled for their outdoor adventures.

So, if you’re wondering what’s the cornerstone of authentic beef jerky, remember that texture is the name of the game. It should be rough-and-tough, allowing you to savor it slowly.

Flavor

Authentic beef jerky focuses on allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine. It’s not about drowning each strip in a plethora of ingredients that overpower the delicious beef taste. Instead, authentic beef jerky is seasoned with simple ingredients to enhance its natural flavors.

Another major player in the taste of authentic beef jerky is the smoky flavor derived from the smoking process. Strips are slow-smoked to perfection, allowing you to taste that classic hickory aroma in each bite.

Cuts of Meat

Both the cut of the meat and how the meat is cut are essential to creating authentic beef jerky.

When choosing beef cuts, it needs to have the right amount of marbling without having too much fat. Fat provides flavor, so you want a little bit in the meat you’re using to make jerky.

To achieve the tough, leathery texture, the meat needs to be sliced nice and thin. Thick pieces trap moisture, which will give you jerky that’s tender and soft.

For those who enjoy traditional jerky and want to make it at home, you’ll want to cut the slices thin enough to dry properly during the slow-smoking process. That’s what will ensure a tough, long-lasting texture..

Where to Buy Authentic Beef Jerky

As a jerky lover, you probably know it’s easy to find beef jerky in gas stations, supermarkets and convenience stores. But where can you buy Wild River’s authentic jerky that you’re suddenly craving so badly?

Luckily, it’s not hard to find. You can use our store locator to help you find a place near you that sells authentic jerky. Or, get it delivered right to your door by ordering it online! Just add your favorite flavors to your cart and pay at the online checkout.

Not sure which flavor to get? Here’s a flavor guide to help you out:

• Mild Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Our no-nonsense jerky is seasoned with simple ingredients like sea salt and gluten-free soy sauce, delivering a robust, full-bodied beef flavor.
• Black Pepper Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Enjoy the traditional taste of beef jerky, but with a subtle sprinkling of invigorating black pepper.
• Green Chile Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Ready to add some zest to your life? This authentic jerky is seasoned with real green chiles and bell peppers, delivering a medium-spice level and vibrant flavor.
• Hot Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Need to warm up? Love the feeling of fire on your tongue? Then you’ll love this heat-inducing jerky, seasoned with spicy chili pepper.

No BS, Always Authentic Beef Jerky in Every Bag

When it comes to authentic beef jerky, we’re not messing around. Each slice provides a rough-and-ready texture and exhilarating flavor to please all of your senses. Whether you’re going on a hunting trip or enjoying a beer with your pals, old-school jerky is crafted to help you enjoy your favorite pastimes to the fullest.

Check out our authentic beef jerky styles and pick yourself up a bag today!