Simple Storage Ideas for Jerky

Among other challenges, if you are interested in making or preserving your jerky, you will need to ask yourself a deceptively tricky question: “How am I going to store all my meat?” Though there are diverse ways to approach the task, here are some simple storage ideas for jerky.

Sealable Bags

Whether you went online to buy chicken jerky or you made the beef variety at home, a sealable bag is a good option if you want to store your food for three or four weeks. If the jerky is too moist, you can also add a food-grade desiccant to the bag.

Since jerky can only stay in a sealed bag for a brief period, you will want to label the bag with the date you stored it. You can tell if jerky has gone bad by its color and smell. Spoiled jerky is slightly darker and has a different smell.

Mason Jars

For longer storage periods, mason jars are an excellent choice. You can actually create a vacuum seal using a mason jar in just a few steps:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Take the lid off and put the jar in the oven for ten minutes
3. Remove the jar from the oven and quickly put the jerky in the jar
4. Screw on the lid and let the jar cool to room temperature

As the jars cool, they will create a vacuum seal. You can tell it is sealing because it will make a popping sound.

Vacuum Seal Bags

Vacuum sealing jerky is the best long-term method on this list of simple storage ideas for jerky. With these bags, moisture stays in, and air remains out, so your jerky will stay soft without spoiling. That said, vacuum sealers often come with a hefty price tag. They may be as expensive as $200. Still, in the long run, the purchase may save you money on wasted snacks and meals if you vacuum seal jerky and other food that would otherwise spoil.