With Christmas right around the corner I’ve been trying to decide what to get Charlie and David for Christmas. Then I found out November 27th is National Craft Jerky Day #NationalCraftJerkyDay. Charlie and I love Beef Jerky.
To shake things up I thought I would purchase Craft Jerky for David and Charlie from Righteous Felon a Craft Beef Jerky Company. Or I might go to Grapevine Mills Mall and check out Beef Jerky Experience in person where we can sample different flavors of beef Jerky. Would you like to come with me?
National Craft Jerky Day is an annual holiday celebrated on November 27th. Craft Jerky Day is celebrated in honor of good old homemade Jerky, and the simple Jerky recipes passed down from one generation to another.
Jerky is any kind of dried, thinly sliced Meat that can be eaten without further processing. Jerky can be made with a variety of proteins, including Cow Meat to Horse Meat. or for a exotic flavor try Alligator, Camel, or even Crocodile! How about Buffalo? Which I will pass on. How about you? Whatever protein you love, Craft Jerky Day has no limits on creativity and it’s origin dates back to the early 1550s.
National Craft Jerky Day was created by the ‘Long Beach Jerky Co.’ The company was founded by Alex Naticchioni and Richie Beckman in 2013, but its legacy can be traced far beyond that. It all began with Albert Naticchioni, fondly called ‘Gramps,’ Alex’s grandfather. Albert made his own Jerky and stuffed it into the Christmas Stockings of family members during Christmas.
This holiday tradition morphed into a business idea decades later, when Alex and his friend Richie hit on the inspiration in their small Long Beach Apartment one night. The duo decided to take Gramps’ old recipe and stay true to that while experimenting with other recipes. After several trial runs, Long Beach Jerky Co. took off. Their menu now includes Jerky flavors including ‘Gramps’ Original.’ ‘Buffalo Wing,’ ‘Cracked Black Pepper,’ and ‘Spicy Teriyaki.’
According to historians, Jerky originated in the Andes Mountains of modern-day Peru. Jerky is any kind of lean Meat that has been sliced into strips and dried. The word ‘Jerky’ owes its origin to ‘Ch’arki,’ a word from the Quechua language meaning ‘dried, salted Meat.’
The earliest records of Ch’arki date back to the 1550s. Jerky is usually prepared by salting thinly sliced Meat parts and leaving them to dry under the Sun, over a fire, or in an electric dehydrator. When the Meat is completely dehydrated, the Meat can be eaten without cooking. The Salting process prevents the growth of bacteria, and if properly done, Jerky can last for months without spoiling. Modern manufactured Jerky typically contains preservatives, fat and may even contain Brown Sugar for taste.
How To Celebrate National Craft Jerky Day
- Craft Jerky Day is all about small-batch, homemade recipes. Celebrate by making your very own unique Jerky. Search for recipes online and make your own variations.
- If you just can’t find time to make your own, support a small craft Jerky business by purchasing Jerky from them. Your support might go a long way.
- National Craft Jerky Day and let everyone know why we’re celebrating National Craft Jerky Day by using the hashtag #craftjerkyday and spread awareness about Craft Jerky.
Important Facts About The Weirdest Jerky Flavors
- Kangaroo Jerky flavor is exactly what its name implies. Jerky made from Kangaroo Meat! I will pass on. How about you?
- You might not be brave enough to face a Alligator, but alligator Jerky might just suit your palate.
- Caffeinated Jerky is Meat spiced up with Guarana, a plant ingredient that contains about twice as much caffeine as Coffee.
- Cheese Jerky Cheese Sticks shot through with Beef are perfect for all Cheese lovers.
- Hawaiian Jerky is made from Meat, Soy Sauce, Hawaiian Salt, Garlic, Ginger, and Pepper.
Why People Love National Craft Jerky Day
Craft Jerky is one of the few treats that’s simple yet perfect because it only contains Salt and Meat, which says “less is more.”
People love Jerky because of its delicious taste so it’s no wonder the delicacy has been passed down from generation to generation all the way from the 16th Century!
People love Craft Jerky because it has that touch of homemade goodness that just can’t be reproduced. Every family has their own special recipe, which is what makes Craft Jerky so unique.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
