You may never have heard of it, but this small piece of meat has a lot to tell. Steeped in history, packed with health benefits, and bursting with flavor, biltong is an age-old recipe straight from South Africa… that has even found its way to northern France. Why? Because it's simply delicious.
🥩 A variety of meats
In South Africa, biltong isn't limited to beef. On the contrary, it's a culinary tradition that adapts to the diversity of local wildlife and individual preferences. Among the most commonly used meats are:
· Beef: the most common version, tender and rich in protein.
· The kudu: a typical African antelope, with lean and wild meat.
· The springbok: another antelope, with a milder and more subtle flavor.
· Ostrich: a very lean red meat, prized for its high protein content and low fat content.
· Various game: impala, eland, zebra… biltong is sometimes adapted according to the seasons and regions.
Each type of meat brings a unique taste profile, which is fully expressed through the spices used and the drying method.
🌶️ Simple yet powerful spices
Traditionally, biltong is seasoned with a mixture of:
· Vinegar (often cider or malt vinegar)
· Ground coriander
· Black pepper
· Salt
But over time, variations have appeared: chili pepper, garlic, nutmeg, brown sugar, cumin… Each family or producer has its own recipe passed down from generation to generation.
🍴 How is it consumed?
In South Africa, biltong is ubiquitous. It is consumed:
· As a snack, at any time of day
· During rugby or cricket matches
· Whether travelling or hiking, it's valued for its lightness and nutritional worth.
· In lunch boxes, at school or at work
· With scrambled eggs for breakfast
· In sandwiches, salads or hot dishes
There are even derivative products: biltong powder for sauces, biltong sticks for children, or marinated biltong for stews.
🧬 A survival food that has become a cultural product
Originally, biltong was a way to preserve meat without refrigeration, used by Dutch settlers and indigenous peoples. It was used during long voyages or hunts in the South African bush. Today, it has become a marker of identity, much like the "braai" barbecue or rooibos tea.
🌍 A taste of elsewhere that is captivating Europe
Rich in protein, additive-free, and naturally low in carbohydrates, biltong is now attracting athletes, curious minds, gourmets, and anyone looking for a healthier snack. Its soft texture (unlike American jerky, which is often drier) and rich flavor make it a unique product.
In short, biltong is much more than just a snack: it's a living tradition, a reflection of African diversity, and an invitation to a culinary journey. A must-try for all meat lovers and those who appreciate world cultures!
