Biltong was invented in South Africa by Dutch settlers in the early 17th century. Needing a non-perishable food source for their arduous journey across a brave new frontier, they cured strips of beef in vinegar, salt and natural spices, then left it out to dry.

When was biltong invented?

The biltong recipe was originally created and refined by the Dutch settlers in South Africa in the 17th century. Biltong is a staple of the South African lifestyle and is made from cured, spiced and dried beef, venison (Kudu and other antelope such as Impala are popular options) and even Ostrich.

What came first biltong or jerky?

The History of Biltong

While jerky originated in North America, biltong came from South African countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia. The indigenous people of these countries preserved meat by slicing it into strips, curing it, then hanging it up to dry.