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What Are the Different Types of Dried Meat?

Lori Kilchermann
Lori Kilchermann

Dried meat has century-old roots in cuisine around the world. Often air-dried or cured with salt, drying meat is considered the oldest form of meat preservation. Moisture leaves the meat as it dries, thereby reducing the meat's weight and size, but it still retains its protein. An advantage to dried meat is that it does not require refrigeration; however, a drawback is that most dried meat is very high in sodium.

Typically, lean meat from a medium-aged animal, such as a cow, sheep or goat, is the best-suited for drying. Other meat that is suitable for turning into dried meat includes antelope, deer and camel. Meat that is very fatty can go rancid as it dries, so it is typically avoided. The raw meat is cut into strips, which can be placed into a marinade or otherwise seasoned, if desired, before beginning the drying process. The meat can be air-dried on hooks, placed in a dehydrator or baked in an oven to dry.

Various types of meat, including dried meat.
Various types of meat, including dried meat.

Beef jerky may be one of the most recognizable forms of dried meat. The beef can be dried as-is, or flavored with a marinade or rub. There is a beef jerky option for nearly every palate, from mesquite blends and spicy Cajun flavors to black pepper. Flank steak is one cut used for making jerky, and placing the meat in the freezer for a few hours will help make it firm for slicing into thin strips.

Pastirma is a type of dried camel meat popular in Armenia, Turkey and Egypt.
Pastirma is a type of dried camel meat popular in Armenia, Turkey and Egypt.

In South American countries, including Brazil, charque is a form of beef jerky made by using salt to preserve the meat. The pieces of jerky are immersed in salt water, then removed and placed between mounds of salt for several days. Eventually, the charque pieces are washed, flattened to help remove moisture and placed in the sun to dry.

Pastirma is a common dried meat in Armenia, Turkey and Egypt, and is made using beef or camel meat. The meat pieces are salted, air-dried and pressed. When the meat is done drying, it is covered with a paste made of garlic, paprika and mustard. In Southern African countries, biltong is made from antelope and beef meat cut into long strips and dry-salted or soaked in brine. It can be further flavored with spices, including garlic, aniseed and coriander.

Dried meats are often air dried or salt-cured.
Dried meats are often air dried or salt-cured.

Odka is prepared from livestock that are drought-stricken and is made in East African countries, including Somalia. Qwanta is also made in East African countries, and features meat strips coated in a hot pepper sauce. Kilishi is made using thin slices of goat, lamb or beef in some areas of West Africa, including Nigeria. The slices are sun-dried, then infused with a mixture of water, spices and bullion cubes before being sun-dried once again. After drying, the meat can be roasted over a fire for a few minutes to help develop its flavor.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

I'm a fan of turkey jerky, myself. You know, truck stop convenience stores have the best snacks, and I found some turkey jerky at one. I loved it! I especially like the Cajun and teriyaki versions. It's so flavorful and great when you're on the road and you want something more substantial than chips, but you're not ready for a full meal.

I can eat some turkey jerky and a cheese stick and I'm ready to go. Lots of good protein, not a huge amount of fat and low-carb, too. What more can you ask for? I always stock up on it for a long road trip.

Grivusangel

I love beef jerky. It's my favorite kind of dried meat. I've used the dried corned beef in a jar in a hot dip before, but you have to rinse the meat because it's so salty.

Sometimes, finding acceptable snack food is tough when you're a diabetic, like I am. Beef jerky fits the bill. It's generally not very high in fat and always low in carbs. Some is even low-sodium so that's a bonus, but I eat it for a snack, not a meal, so I don't worry too terribly much about the sodium content. It's good stuff.

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    • Various types of meat, including dried meat.
      Various types of meat, including dried meat.
    • Pastirma is a type of dried camel meat popular in Armenia, Turkey and Egypt.
      By: ruticar
      Pastirma is a type of dried camel meat popular in Armenia, Turkey and Egypt.
    • Dried meats are often air dried or salt-cured.
      By: podm
      Dried meats are often air dried or salt-cured.
    • Lean meat from a medium-aged sheep may be suited for drying.
      By: taraki
      Lean meat from a medium-aged sheep may be suited for drying.