Yes, like all things that are meat, beef jerky does go bad. But the point is to know their expiration date and what types of manufacturing process spoil quicker than the other. The USDA in its guidelines states that a commercially packed beef jerky can be stored for about 1 to 2 years.
My answer was as weird as it may sound, beef jerky can mold. And it isn’t happening too rarely, either. The reason for that is that many people don’t understand how much moisture has to be dried out of the meat while dehydrating it or don’t store the store-bought moist jerky properly.
What happens if you eat moldy beef jerky?
Examine the package of jerky for condensation or other signs of moisture. Open the package and remove one or two pieces to examine. They should be uniformly dry and only slightly pliable. Smell the jerky. Discard any jerky that shows visible mold or discoloration.
For even longer storage you can freeze your beef, turkey or pork jerky until ready to use. Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.
Mold spores permeate into the meat and it can make you pretty sick if ingested. One of the contributors for mold on jerky is that it wasn’t completely dehydrated . Beef jerky should be dehydrated up to 90-95%. If it isn’t, the moisture in the meat leads to mold spores growing. If you live in an area that has high humidity, this could.
Does jerky go bad?
Unopened beef jerky can last for 1-2 years in the pantry, even beyond a date stamped on the package if properly sealed. The shelf life of beef jerky depends on the best before date and how the jerky is stored.
Is beef jerky or turkey jerky better?
Beef jerky and turkey jerky are both popular with survivalists because of its high protein and longevity qualities. Does beef jerky go bad? Eventually, yes – but when properly stored jerky lasts a pretty long time.
How to make the best beef jerky in the world?
Slice the meat between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick with the grain. Make the Marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, meat tenderizer, black pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder. A couple extra things to take a look at are marinate the beef, and dry out the meat.