Keep it dry and cool
As a meat product, biltong should be stored at low temperatures to prevent spoilage and prolong the flavour.
STORING YOUR BILTONG
Whether you're in the enviable position of having too much biltong or you've got some extreme self-control and know how to pace yourself, storing your biltong properly is very important. As a perishable food product, biltong requires specific handling and storage to ensure it doesn't go off.
To extend its shelf life and delicious flavour, there are a few options.
Things to keep in mind when storing biltong
Avoid direct sunlight
The hotter your biltong, the more likely it will go off.
Don't use plastic
Plastic can cause biltong to sweat. Instead, use a paper bag to keep your biltong dry but still moist.
Keep it sealed off
To prevent any pests from ruining your tasty snacks, make sure your biltong is properly sealed off.
Shuffle moist biltong
Occasionally shuffling and moving your biltong around will prevent moisture from building up in specific areas.
Ventilate large slices
Large pieces of sliced biltong need to be ventilated to continue the drying process.
Use paper towel
If you're storing biltong in a pantry, adding a piece of paper towel to the bottom of your Tupperware or glass jar will slowly dry the biltong out further, making it less vulnerable to the elements.
How to store biltong properly
Depending on whether or not you have opened your packet of biltong and the type of biltong you have bought or made yourself, there are specific ways to store it to keep it fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
| Sealed or unsealed | Storage Method | Storage Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unopened packet | In the pantry | Around 21°C | 365 days |
| Unopened packet | In the fridge | Around 3°C | +365 days |
| Unopened packet | In the freezer | Around -18°C | Almost indefinitely |
| Opened packet | Paper bag in the fridge | Around 3°C | 30 days |
| Opened packet | Tupperware in the pantry | Around 21°C | 4-6 days |
| Opened packet | Glass jar with loose paper at the bottom - in the pantry | Around 21°C | Between 4-8 weeks |
| Opened packet | Freezer safe bag in the freezer | Around -18°C | Between 6-12 months |
With so many different ways to keep your biltong tasting good, you can plan to have biltong ready to eat all year round. No matter how you choose to store biltong, as long as there's no mould visible, your biltong should be good to eat.
Time to stock up
Now that you know just how to keep your biltong tasting fresh and delicious for months on end, be sure that you have enough to keep you going. Browse our full range of biltong and meat products online and enjoy convenient delivery all across Australia. And if you're interested in learning new and creative ways to incorporate biltong into different meals, be sure to see our unique recipes too.