Drying

Jerky

erky is a favorite snack for school, Jlunch, trail or just about anywhere!

It is made by seasoning raw meat in a salt mixture, and then drying it without cooking. The finished product is an exercise in chewing and ever so delicious!

Meat Jerky

You won't have to pay the exorbitant prices for jerky slices or sticks at the supermarket. Most lean meats will yield about 1 pound of jerky for 3 pounds of fresh meat.

When making jerky from pork, chicken or turkey, use precooked and processed meat. Be sure to dry it at the highest temperature setting. After drying, heat it in your oven at a minimum temperature of 160°F (71°C) for at least 30 minutes as a precaution against the risk of sal- monella. When you are jerking game meats, freeze the meats for at least 60 days at 0°F (-18°C) before drying, as a precaution against any diseases the animal might be carrying. Lean ground meats can also be dried. Add season- ings. Then press or form into strips or sticks, and place on trays to dry.

Selection

Jerky may be made from a variety of different meats. When purchasing meats for making jerky, choose lean meats with minimal marbling (fat), as fat tends to go rancid during storage. A lean cut of flank steak or round steak makes excellent jerky.

Using the NESCO® American Harvest® Jerky Works™ kit, you can make deli- cious jerky from ground meat. It’s best to use ground round or lean (or extra lean) ground beef. Season with NESCO®American Harvest® Jerky Seasoning Mixes.

Preparation

Remove all fat from meat and cut into thin strips 1⁄4" to 3⁄8" thick. It is easier to slice partially frozen meat for jerky. If meats are cut on the crosswise grain, jerky is less chewy than if meats are cut on the length-wise grain.

Marinate cut meats in store-bought or your own recipe marinade for 6 to 8 hours in the refrigerator before drying.

If you are using your own recipe, be sure to include 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of salt for each pound of meat. The salt slows

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Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Drying Jerky
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Food Dehydrator specifications

The Nesco Food Dehydrator is a versatile kitchen appliance that enables home cooks and health enthusiasts to preserve food efficiently. With a reputation for reliability and quality, this dehydrator stands out in the market for its innovative technologies and user-friendly features.

One of the most notable features of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its patented Converge-Flow technology. This unique drying system utilizes a top-down airflow, which ensures that hot air is evenly distributed throughout the dehydrator. This design prevents the need for rotating trays, resulting in consistent drying without the hassle of manually rearranging food items. This technology allows for higher efficiency, leading to better results in less time.

The dehydrator boasts adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to control the drying process based on the type of food being processed. Ranging from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, these settings cater to various foods, from herbs and fruits to meats and vegetables. This flexibility makes the Nesco Food Dehydrator suitable for a variety of preservation needs.

Another characteristic of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its capacity. With multiple trays that can often be expanded, users can customize the amount of food they wish to dehydrate at once. Many models come with five to twelve trays, providing ample space for large batches of fruits, jerky, or granola. Additionally, the trays are typically made from food-grade plastic, ensuring that they are safe for food contact and easy to clean.

The Nesco Food Dehydrator also typically includes a clear lid, allowing users to monitor the drying process without disrupting airflow. This design advantage not only enhances convenience but also contributes to energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss.

In summary, the Nesco Food Dehydrator is an excellent choice for those looking to extend the shelf life of their food while maintaining essential nutrients. Its advanced drying technology, adjustable temperature settings, ample capacity, and practical design features make it an indispensable tool in any kitchen. Whether you are preparing healthy snacks or creating homemade jerky, the Nesco Food Dehydrator guarantees a reliable and efficient drying experience.
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