ZA
Biltong is a type of dried, cured meat that originated in South Africa. It is similar to beef jerky but has its own distinct flavour and texture. Biltong can be made from various types of meat, including beef, game meats like ostrich or venison, and even poultry such as chicken, turkey, and even bacon. Although, among purists, anything but beef is probably considered a pretender, with the exception of its sister product, droë wors (dehydrated boerewors sausage).
The process of making biltong involves marinating strips of meat in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices, such as coriander, black pepper, and sometimes sugar or other flavourings. The marinated meat is then air-dried or cured, traditionally in a cool, dry environment, until it reaches the desired level of dryness and flavour.
Biltong is typically sliced thinly and enjoyed as a high-protein snack or appetiser. It has a chewy texture and a rich, savory flavor profile with hints of spices and tanginess from the vinegar. Biltong is popular in South Africa and has gained recognition and popularity in other parts of the world as well. It is often used as a gourmet snack or specialty food item and is popular in South African expat shops around the world.
Equipment
Food Dehydrator
Hooks for hanging or shelves for packing
Materials
Meat
Salt, pepper, coriander
Spices
Vinegar
Sales & Marketing
Sales and marketing is very important in this business, you have a widely-available, me-too product that is easy to manufacture. Unlike jerky and meat sticks we don't care about packaging and gladly eat biltong in clear cling wrap. Getting shop space is important if you have no differential strategy. Other than that you can try to compete on pricing (low-cost model) as a wholesaler in order to appeal to retailers. Other options are to export to expat shops and ecommerce websites around the world.
Business
Biltong is one of South Africa’s favourite snacks and a multi-billion-rand industry.
Process
Biltong is basically meat that has been spiced and dried. While the spice is important if you want to differentiate in a crowded marketplace (see below), how you cure the meat is also important if you are going to do large quantities.
The dehydrator
While there are consumer meat dryers available to make biltong and more expensive industrial dryers, many people make their own dryers that can make large amounts of meat.
Biltong being dried
Plans for biltong driers
Biltong Dryer (Home Channel)
Make your own biltong dryer in an afternoon (Popular Mechanics)
How To Make A Biltong Box
Or buy over at BILTONGMAKERS.COM
The spice
Biltong is not difficult to make, but you are going to have to try something different to compete with many other players in this industry. You could try to compete on price, but do you have a large supply of cheap meat? If not, then you are going to differentiate the way you spice your meat. Ideas include using a mixture of spices and giving them unique names. You could also try to compete on the higher end by using high-quality or free-range meat.
Biltong recipes
How to make biltong (Yuppiechef)
Biltong:NOT Jerky (Instructables)
Biltong (Tasty Recipes)
