National Jerky Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Jerky Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Jerky Day is observed on June 12th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Jerky Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you should know about National Jerky Day.

📅 What day is National Jerky Day 2024?

In 2024, National Jerky Day is on Monday, June 12th. It is the 2nd Monday in June; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all fascinating details and facts about June 12, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on June 12, National Jerky Day is celebrated worldwide by meat enthusiasts. It is a day to recognize and honor the traditional method of preserving meat through drying and curing, which has been practiced for many years across different cultures. Jerky, which can be made from various types of meat such as alligator or kangaroo, is prepared by slicing it into strips, drying it, and then curing it. Some variations of jerky include added flavors, while others are smoked. As people discover the convenience and health advantages of this tasty snack, its popularity continues to grow.

📜 National Jerky Day History

Dried meat has long been a vital part of the diets of hunter-gatherer societies and nomadic tribes. The technique of curing and drying meat has been used for thousands of years as it allows for easy transportation, reduces the size of the meat, and preserves it. The term “jerky” stems from the Quechua language, where “ch’arki” was used to describe dried, salted meat. The Spanish altered the word to “charqui” after their arrival in South America, and it was later anglicized as “jerky.” While beef jerky is commonly associated with South America’s contribution in the 1800s, different types of jerky have been created by various cultural groups throughout history. Native American tribes, for example, made jerky from buffalo meat and combined it with dried fruits and suet to make a nourishing and portable dish called “pemmican.” Today, the global market for jerky is massive, with various types available. Jerky has become a ubiquitous snack found in gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience shops across the United States.

✅ National Jerky Day Facts

🔖 Coppiette
Italian meat sticks are prepared by seasoning them with salt, fennel, and red pepper flakes, and then drying them in pairs over a fireplace.

🔖 Quant’a
Ethiopian pork strips are marinated with a mixture of salt, black pepper, and a unique spice blend called Berbere.

🔖 Pemmican
Native American tribes have come up with a variation that consists of dried meat, lipids, and fruit.

👍 Why Is National Jerky Day Important

Jerky is not only easy to pack and transport, but it can also be sold everywhere. Jerky apparently outperforms other salty snacks like popcorn and savory pretzels, so you know we’re not just promoting it.

Jerky is fantastic because of its versatility. Not only are there a plethora of different recipes and methods for preparing it, but there are also a plethora of flavors, making it the ideal food for experimenting in the kitchen. If pre-packaged jerky is more your style, there are plenty of options to keep your mind spinning!

Jerky not only saves 75% of the weight of the beef by being dried, but it’s also wonderful for keeping the weight off! It’s a light snack, both literally and metaphorically, because it’s densely packed with all the protein deliciousness and other nutrients that meat contains (being low in fat and high in protein).

🙂 How To Observe National Jerky Day

⚡ Buy one and feed a child
In 2010, Dyron and Kelly Howell discovered ten hungry children in Amarillo, Texas. They also discovered that over 3,200 students in the city’s school district relied on school lunches for their daily meals. To address this issue, they established SP4K, a non-profit organization. SP4K partnered with the cattle and dairy industries, as well as other organizations that provided food kits to children. Today, SP4K offers protein-packed “snack packs” for kids, which include jerky, particularly Clint & Sons’ SP4K Beef Stiks.

⚡ Explore the world of jerky
If you have a preferred brand or type of jerky that you enjoy, we challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try something different. Visit a nearby convenience or variety store and give yourself a treat by sampling a new flavor or variety of jerky. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even try unconventional options like kangaroo, alligator, Hawaiian, or caffeinated jerky. Who knows, you might discover a new favorite that keeps you coming back for more.

⚡ Read up and DIY
Expand your knowledge and skills in jerky making by researching the various methods available. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the options, select one and give it a go. Don’t limit yourself to considering jerky solely as a snack; it can also enhance soups, stews, and other recipes, making it a great addition to any outdoor picnic.

📅 When is National Jerky Day?

You can view all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 American holidays.

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