Can Beef Jerky be Refrigerated? BEST Storage Tips for Jerky

Dehydrated Meat: A Culinary Marvel

Dehydrated meat (dried and marinated raw meat cut into thin strips or dried ground beef pressed into strips) has become a staple in many households, offering a convenient and flavorful alternative to traditional snacking options.

It is a big favorite around our house, especially when we go hiking or on backpacking trips!

As you embark on the journey of exploring dehydrated meats, whether you like to marinate slices of cut up roast or you prefer ground beef for your jerky, it's essential to understand the best practices for storage.

One common question that arises: does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?

Let's explore the nuances of storing dehydrated meat and explore the benefits and potential pitfalls.

Understanding the Dehydration Process

Before we delve into storage methods of dehydrated foods like beef jerky, it's crucial to first know about the dehydration process.

When you dehydrate food to eat, any food, it involves removing its moisture content, which is the key factor in preventing bacterial growth and spoilage for longer term storage.

When you dehydrate meat using this moisture removal process, not only does it enhance the meat's shelf life but it also concentrates its flavors, making it a savory and portable dried food, perfect for everyday snacking, kids lunches (one of my favorite ways to use it up!) and for backpacking/hiking meals.

This preservation technique is not limited to meats; it extends to fruits, vegetables, and even herbs.

Using the Right Food Dehydrator for Drying Meat

We have been making beef jerky for more than 20 years, and we have learned a thing or two along the way. The most important thing we have learned, is finding the proper dehydrator so it evenly dries your meat! There is nothing worst than having overly-dried pieces and separating them from the ones that are still wet.

We have the absolute best dehydrator for beef jerky, with excellent drying power that allows us to make batch after batch (in between our other dried foods like apple chips, pear chips and more). And it is all due to the location of the fan element and having stainless steel trays.

This is the dehydrator we use

Here is a batch of jerky we made in our dehydrator (see my photo below ), you can see how I prefer strips of marinated beef rather than using ground meat, but you can see our dehydrator racks underneath.

Another tip: stainless steel racks are by far the best choice when making homemade jerky.

How To Store Homemade Jerky

Now that we've established the importance of the dehydration process before storing homemade beef jerky, let's explore the best practices to store dehydrated meat, such as ground beef jerky, to ensure its longevity and quality.

1. Airtight Containers for Storing Homemade Beef Jerky

The cornerstone of preserving dehydrated meat is sealing it in an airtight container. These containers create a barrier against external elements, such as air and humidity, which can compromise the meat's texture and flavor.

To store meat, look for containers where the air can be either removed or sealed in with your jerky. You can of course use plastic with tight-sealing lids to maintain optimal freshness, but when it comes to storing food, glass is always best.

See glass airtight containers here

2. Vacuum Sealing Beef Jerky

For extended shelf life, vacuum sealing dried meat is a really great option, and we do this often (just so we don't eat all of the jerky right away!).

We actually use the vacuum sealer for our fresh meat as well, it is just a super amazing way to preserve meat in general. 

I will share a video of us using the vacuum sealer for our turkeys below so you can see how it works, and please subscribe if you are a fan of backyard farming and gardening videos!

Vacuum-sealed bags work by removing excess air, minimizing the risk of oxidation and freezer burn. This method is particularly effective for long-term storage, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to stock up on dehydrated meats.

See the update of this FoodSaver model I use on Amazon here:

Vacuum Sealer

See vacuum sealers on Amazon here

The Role of a Vacuum Sealer: An Extra Layer of Protection

Investing in a reliable vacuum sealer is essential for best results. It gives you a tight seal, preventing air from infiltrating the packaging. This method is not only effective for dehydrated meat but also versatile for other types of food preservation needs.

We use our vacuum sealer for foods like jerky, but we find it especially handy when we are buying bulk meat from Costco, like those huge tenderloins. We portion them up and vacuum seal them before we throw them in the freezer so they last a very long time.

Opinion: Do You Need To Refrigerate Dehydrated Meat?

Now, the burning question: can dehydrated meat and dehydrated foods be refrigerated? While dehydrated meat is designed to thrive in dry conditions, refrigeration can still play a role in dehydrated meat and home food preservation.

Short-Term Refrigerating for Jerky

If you plan on eating the dehydrated meat within a short timeframe, refrigeration will work. However, ensure the meat is in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption. This jerky storage option is good for keeping your dried food fresh for brief storage periods.

Internal Temperature of Food Matters

When refrigerating dehydrated meat, it's very important to keep an eye on the internal temperature. Keep it consistently low to keep away bacteria. The entire point of dehydrating meat is to remove the moisture for preservation, and storing in the fridge can reintroduce water content accidently, so there is a slight risk with that.

For Long-Term Jerky Storage: Stick to Dry Environments

For prolonged storage of dried meat, it's advisable to stay away from the fridge. Dehydrated meat thrives in dry environments, and introducing moisture, even by accident in a refrigerator, can compromise its texture and flavor. Stick to the tried-and-true methods of airtight storage, vacuum sealing, and cool, dark storage spaces.

Does it Help to Store Beef Jerky in Dark Place?

Find a storage location away from direct sunlight. Dark places not only preserve the color and flavor of dehydrated meat but also shield it from potential heat, maintaining its quality over time. But honestly, if your meat is sealed in an airtight container, you are pretty much good to go. Keeping your stored meat away from sunlight is just a precaution to store your meat longer as we know sunlight breaks everything down over time.

FAQ: Insights into Making and Storing Beef Jerky

While we are talking about dehydrated meats, we'll also address the common questions focusing on making and storing beef jerky.

Q1: How do I prevent mold growth in beef jerky?

A1: Mold growth can be prevented by making sure that the beef jerky is thoroughly dehydrated, aka dried, before storage. Use a reliable food dehydrator, maintain a clean drying environment, and store the jerky in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags.

Q2: What is the ideal shelf life for dehydrated meats?

A2: The shelf life of dehydrated meats varies based on storage conditions. When stored in containers that are airtight or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place, dehydrated meats and dried food can last up to a year or even longer when stored correctly.

Q3: Does beef jerky need to be refrigerated?

A3: If the beef jerky is properly dried and is in an airtight container like we mentioned specifically in the article, your jerky will not need to be refrigerated. the key is to make sure you have a proper dehydrator for beef jerky and that there is no moisture left by the time it finishes. Moisture allows the bacteria to live. No moisture means no bacteria.

READ: The Best Dehydrator for Beef Jerky (article)

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Dehydration Process: It's best to first understand the drying process of dehydrating meat to preserve its quality and flavor: Dehydrating food is all about removing the water content by adding heat and air to remove moisture. It's a great method of food preservation that is both safe and it makes absolutely delicious homemade jerky.

• Storage Best Practices: Use containers that are airtight and vacuum sealing for optimal freshness if you are looking to store homemade jerky properly.

• Refrigeration Consideration: While short-term refrigeration is fine for homemade jerky, long-term beef jerky storage is best achieved in dry, cool environments, in airtight containers or sealed bags.

In conclusion, the art of storing homemade beef jerky involves a delicate balance between preserving its essence and maintaining its quality.

Armed with the right knowledge and storage techniques, you can enjoy the amazing benefits of dehydrated meats for a long time; whether at home or on your next outdoor adventure.

Wondering what else you can dehydrate for snacks, preserves and use as décor?

How To Dehydrate Mushrooms

How To Dehydrate Strawberries For A Healthy Snack!

How To Dry Orange Slices for Drinks, Garnishes & Décor

DIY Healthy Banana Chips

Which DEHYDRATOR is the BEST For Fruit (article)

Here are some other resources you may be interested in:

Where To Buy Real Beeswax

Shop for the BEST USA-made cast iron cookware HERE

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