If you’ve never tried biltong before, you might assume it’s similar to beef jerky. While both are dried meat snacks, biltong is actually a very different food with its own history, preparation method, and flavour.

Biltong is a traditional air-dried beef snack that originated in Southern Africa. Over the past decade it has become increasingly popular around the world as people discover its rich flavour and impressive nutritional profile.

Today, biltong is enjoyed as a convenient high-protein snack by athletes, busy professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a savoury alternative to highly processed snack foods.

At Saltbush Organics, our biltong is made using organic Australian grass-fed beef and traditional air-drying methods, creating a simple snack made from real ingredients.

To understand why biltong has gained such a loyal following, it helps to look at where it comes from and how it is made.

The Origins of Biltong

Biltong has a long history that dates back several centuries. It originated in Southern Africa as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration existed.

Early settlers and indigenous communities needed a method to keep meat fresh during long journeys and hunting trips. By seasoning strips of meat with salt and vinegar and allowing them to dry slowly in the air, they discovered that the meat could last much longer without spoiling.

The name biltong is believed to come from Dutch words that roughly translate to “strip” and “tongue,” referring to strips of dried meat.

Over time, biltong became a staple food in South African culture and remains one of the region’s most popular snacks today.

How Biltong Is Made

Traditional biltong is made using a simple process that relies on time and airflow rather than cooking.

The process generally follows several steps:

First, high-quality cuts of beef are sliced into thick strips.

Next, the meat is seasoned with ingredients such as vinegar, salt, and spices. Coriander and black pepper are commonly used in traditional recipes.

After seasoning, the meat is hung or placed in a drying chamber where it slowly air-dries over several days.

During this drying period, moisture gradually evaporates from the meat while the flavour becomes more concentrated.

Because biltong is air-dried rather than cooked at high temperatures, it often retains a tender texture and rich beef flavour.

At Saltbush Organics, our biltong is produced using organic Australian grass-fed beef and traditional air-drying techniques that preserve the natural qualities of the meat.

What Does Biltong Taste Like?

Biltong has a distinctive savoury flavour that many people find more natural and satisfying than other meat snacks.

Because it is made with simple seasonings and slowly air-dried, the flavour of the beef itself remains the main focus.

The taste can vary slightly depending on the spices used, but traditional biltong usually has:

• a rich, savoury beef flavour

• subtle hints of vinegar and spices

• a tender texture that is less tough than jerky

Some varieties are sliced thin while others are cut into thicker pieces. Different drying times can also influence how soft or firm the final product becomes.

Biltong vs Jerky

One of the most common questions people ask is how biltong compares to jerky.

Although both are dried meat snacks, there are several important differences.

Jerky is usually made by marinating thin strips of beef and cooking them at low temperatures in a dehydrator or oven. The marinades often include ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, or flavourings.

Biltong, by contrast, is typically seasoned with vinegar, salt, and spices and then air-dried without cooking.

Because of this difference in preparation, biltong often has:

• a more natural beef flavour

• a softer texture

• fewer added ingredients

Many people prefer biltong for its simplicity and traditional preparation method.

The Nutritional Benefits of Biltong

Biltong is widely appreciated for its strong nutritional profile.

Because it is made from beef, it is naturally high in complete protein. Complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and overall health.

Biltong also provides several important nutrients, including:

• iron

• zinc

• vitamin B12

• creatine

Another advantage of traditional biltong is that it often contains very little sugar compared with many other snack foods.

These qualities make biltong an appealing snack for people looking for convenient sources of whole-food protein.

Why Grass-Fed Beef Matters

The quality of the beef used to make biltong can significantly influence both flavour and nutritional value.

Many people prefer grass-fed beef because cattle raised on pasture consume a more natural diet of grasses and forage.

Grass-fed beef is often associated with:

• a richer flavour

• a leaner fat profile

• beneficial fatty acids

• strong nutrient content

For this reason, many premium biltong products are made using grass-fed beef.

At Saltbush Organics, we use organic Australian grass-fed beef to produce our biltong, ensuring that the starting ingredient reflects our commitment to high-quality food.

The Role of Organic Farming

Organic farming adds another level of care to how beef is produced.

Organic livestock systems follow strict standards that typically prohibit:

• synthetic pesticides on pasture

• genetically modified feed

• routine antibiotics

• growth hormones

These standards also encourage farming practices that support soil health and animal welfare.

Using organic beef allows producers to create food that aligns with growing consumer interest in transparency and responsible agriculture.

Saltbush Organics biltong is made using organic Australian grass-fed beef, reflecting a focus on clean ingredients and traditional preparation.

Why Biltong Is Becoming Popular Worldwide

While biltong has long been popular in Southern Africa, it has recently gained attention in many other countries.

Several factors have contributed to this growth.

Consumers are increasingly interested in snacks that provide:

• high protein

• simple ingredients

• convenient nutrition

• savoury flavour without excess sugar

Because biltong meets these preferences, it has become popular among athletes, travellers, and people with busy lifestyles.

It is also well suited to outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and road trips because it is portable and shelf-stable.

Final Thoughts

Biltong is a traditional air-dried beef snack with a long history and a simple preparation method that highlights the natural flavour of the meat.

Unlike many highly processed snacks, biltong is typically made with a small number of ingredients and offers a strong nutritional profile that includes high-quality protein and essential nutrients.

When produced using grass-fed and organic beef, biltong can also reflect farming practices that prioritise quality ingredients and responsible agriculture.

At Saltbush Organics, our biltong is made using organic Australian grass-fed beef and carefully air-dried to create a satisfying snack built around real food.

For anyone looking for a convenient savoury snack that delivers protein and flavour, biltong offers a simple and traditional alternative.