For over 400 hundred years, dried meat has been a staple in mankind’s diet. Originally from the southern regions of Africa, biltong has long been an essential aliment for long travels across the land and seas. Dutch settlers travelling around Africa discovered the technique of curing meats with salt and hanging them to dry. Eventually they developed their own method to include vinegar and other spices such as pepper and coriander. The meats used varied but remain similar to those still used today; beef being a popular option as it is more readily available. However, game meats such as ostrich, kudu and deer were also used. In fact, the health benefits of *venison biltong* make it the ideal high protein, low carb, gluten free, low sugar treat.
The UK is home to 6 species of wild deer and is the finest wild, sustainable meat our British landscape has to offer. Their wild nature means that they are pasture-fed and produce some of the leanest meat around. Beef biltong is obviously a very healthy, keto-friendly snack but venison biltong can be even better for you.
What is venison biltong?
Traditionally, great biltong is made from the silverside cut of pure, grass fed beef and cured using salt, vinegar and other spices. These cured strips of meat are then air-dried for three to five days to produce a succulent, very healthy and high protein snack. Wild venison biltong is made the exact same way but, as the meat is leaner, drying times are usually shorter. Venison biltong is slightly more earthy in taste than regular beef biltong but is packed with similar levels of protein and health benefits.
The health benefits of venison biltong
Venison is a complete protein source:
Venison, like beef, is a complete source of protein but has more of this muscle-building nutrient than any other red meat. This means that it will not only satiate you for longer but also dampen those hunger cravings easily. It also contains higher concentrations of iron than beef, which is particularly important for preventing anemia and keeping energy levels elevated. Venison protein is a "complete protein" because it contains all the essential amino acids our bodies are unable to make on their own.
Protein goes beyond muscle building and repair. It is also crucial for things like supporting your immune system, supporting hormonal production, and for building important enzymes.
Venison is full of B-vitamins:
These B-vitamins are very important for energy production and can influence everything from our hair to our digestion. With venison biltong you get:
- Vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin): which help to regulate your metabolism
- Vitamins B6 and B12: These vitamins have been found to lower homocysteine build-up in the blood. This means that they lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Venison contains even less saturated fat than other red meats:
As you can imagine, wild deer tend to be naturally pasture-fed as they graze on grasslands. This means that venison is not only leaner, but also contains high levels of conjugated linoleic acid. This is known to guard against heart disease and cancer.
If you don't eat beef then this is the biltong for you:
If you're determined to get your lean, healthy protein fix and prefer not to eat beef, then *venison biltong* is the perfect substitute. Venison is not only a complete protein source but it's also leaner, contains more iron and still tastes amazing.
We all need to hold ourselves to a higher standard when it comes to what we put into our bodies. The health benefits of venison biltong make it a truly great snack.