National Craft Jerky Day 2023: Date, History, and 5 Facts About The Weirdest Jerky Flavors

National Craft Jerky Day 2023: November 27 coincides with the observance of National Craft Jerky Day. The purpose of Craft Jerky Day is to celebrate classic homemade jerky and the simple recipes that have been passed down through the years. Jerky is any dried, thinly sliced beef that doesn’t need to be further processed before consumption. Jerky can be made from a wide variety of proteins, such as beef, horse meat, alligator, camel, and even crocodile! Regardless of the protein that you prefer, Craft Jerky Day is an opportunity to express your creativity without constraints. Its inception occurred in the early 1550s.

National Craft Jerky Day 2023: History

‘Long Beach Jerky Co.’ established National Craft Jerky Day. Despite the fact that Alex Naticchioni and Richie Beckman established the company in 2013, its influence extends well beyond that year. It all began with Alex’s grandfather, Albert Naticchioni, affectionately known as “Gramps.” During the Christmas season, Albert placed his homemade jerky into the stockings of his family members.

Many years later, one evening in their small Long Beach apartment, Alex and his friend Richie had the idea to turn their holiday tradition into a business. The two individuals made the decision to adhere to Gramps’ earlier recipe while also attempting new recipes. Following multiple trials, Long Beach Jerky Co. commenced operations. Currently available on their menu are jerky varieties like ‘Gramps Original.’ “Cracked Black Pepper,” “Buffalo Wing,” and “Spicy Teriyaki.”

Historians assert that jerky first appeared in the Andes Mountains, which are presently situated in Peru. Any type of lean meat that has been sliced into strips and cured constitutes jerky. The term ‘jerky’ finds its etymological roots in the Quechuan word ‘ch’arki,’ which translates to ‘desiccated, salted flesh.’ In the 1550s, the documents of Ch’arki were first compiled. Narrowly sliced meat parts are usually salted and dried in the sun, in an electric dehydrator, or over an open flame to make jerky. Meat that has undergone complete dehydration is safe to consume uncooked. When executed correctly, the salting procedure inhibits bacterial growth, allowing jerky to remain fresh for several months without deteriorating.

Contemporary processed jerky generally comprises fat, preservatives, and brown sugar for flavoring purposes.

5 Facts About The Weirdest Jerky Flavors

Kangaroo jerky

This peculiar jerky flavor is precisely what its name suggests: it is composed of kangaroo flesh.

Alligator jerky

Although you may lack the courage to confront an alligator, alligator jerky may satisfy your craving.

Caffeinated jerky

Guarana, a plant-based spice with about twice the caffeine level of coffee, is used to season the meat.

Cheese jerky

These beef-infused cheese morsels are ideal for all cheese aficionados.

Hawaiian jerky

Meat is combined with soy sauce, Hawaiian salt, garlic, ginger, and pepper to create this unique jerky.

National Craft Jerky Day 2023: Date