How Mzansi Makes Biltong

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The art of crafting our traditional and delectably meaty South African snack is rooted in simplicity, though achieving perfection can be a delicate endeavor. Essentially, biltong is created through a process of marinating, seasoning, and air-drying slices of meat. However, the exact method and recipe are subject to individual preferences, the tools at hand, and the availability of ingredients. Thus, each biltong maker brings a unique touch to the process, resulting in an array of delightful variations to cater to diverse tastes

But first, a little history

The concept of biltong originated with the Dutch pioneers in South Africa, who sought a means to preserve meat during their extensive journeys across the country. While the fundamental principles of biltong-making have endured, the process has undergone refinement over the years, giving rise to the diverse range of biltong varieties known to us today.

To achieve the best possible outcome during the drying process, the meat is skillfully sliced into long, thin strips commonly known as steaks or slabs.Our approach at Phat Tony's Biltong involves cutting the meat with the grain. As a distinctive feature, most of our biltong varieties boast a delectable layer of fat along the edge of the strips. This inclusion of fat contributes to the flavorful and chewier character that certain individuals savor. However, for those seeking a leaner, protein-packed alternative, we also offer the option to order fat-free biltong. This way, we cater to various preferences and dietary choices, ensuring that our customers can relish biltong in a manner that perfectly suits their tastes and needs.

At this stage, the magic of biltong-making comes alive. The steaks are soaked overnight in our secret vinegar-and-spice blend, then infused with Mzansi’s signature flavors. After marinating, they’re carefully hung in our custom dryer until perfectly ready. Vinegar is always part of the process to ensure safety, whether as a soak, rub, or rinse. Every batch of Mzansi biltong is crafted with care, safety, and unmatched quality.

This is the stage where the true magic unfolds. We meticulously monitor and control the air, humidity, and temperature to achieve perfection in the drying process. Once the biltong has reached its ideal state, it undergoes precise slicing and careful packaging. An essential step is adding the best before date to each bag, ensuring freshness and quality are maintained. With everything in place, we are fully prepared for shipping, ready to deliver our exceptional biltong to our valued customers.

Biltong spices

Apart from salt, biltong spice relies on two key ingredients essential for its distinctive flavor: black pepper and coriander. These two spices play a pivotal role in defining the taste profile of biltong. Moreover, the coriander seeds' oil serves the additional purpose of inhibiting microbial growth, ensuring the biltong's safety during the drying process.In addition to the primary spices, other complementary ingredients, such as garlic, paprika, and, for those who enjoy spicier varieties, chili flakes, are frequently incorporated into the biltong spice blend. These complementary additions add depth and complexity to the flavor, offering a delightful array of taste experiences for biltong enthusiasts to relish.