News

6 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BEEF JERKY

The beef jerky is actually the beef meat from which all the fats are removed by trimming and then this remaining meat is cut into strips. These strips are then dried to prevent them from spoilage. When the meat is being dried, the amount of moisture in it can cause bacteria to develop and spoil the meat; therefore, an amount of salt is added to it in order to prevent it from spoilage. The interesting thing about beef jerky is that you don’t need extra things to prepare it: all you need is some salt and some heat and it is prepared. It can last for months without a refrigerator.

As in the preparation process, we add lots of salt, the sodium level might be high in the snack but beef jerky is also rich in protein. The preparation of meat jerky is not a new phenomenon: centuries ago people used this method to preserve food for winter as well as to carry it to the distant lands, however, in modern days the trend of this food is continuously increasing and many well-known companies now offer this snack in packed form. While the traditional beef jerky only contains salt, the latest recipes of meat jerky being made by different companies are also available in different flavors like chili.

Here is a list of six interesting facts about beef jerky

1. Invention and Purpose of Beef Jerky

As mentioned earlier, the recipe of meat jerky is not new: it is estimated that it was discovered in 1550 by the Quechua people. The reason behind its invention is obvious: as we all know that the necessity is the mother of invention, and man has this inherent capability to make something that he wants most. In previous times, there wasn’t any refrigerator, and people in most parts of the world depended mainly on hunting. The animals which were to be hunted came once or twice a year in flocks. So people used to hunt as many animals as they could.

This meant a treat, but the problem was how to secure the meat for winter when there would be no animals which can be hunted. Thus this recipe was developed. Another important purpose of meat jerky was to provide people food when they were traveling. They were constantly worried about the food on the way. Thus beef jerky was a good option.

2. Variations

The preparation of jerky isn’t restricted to any single animal; rather it can be made from pork, salmon, and many other animals. The way it is prepared also varies. The traditional way of preparing it is by removing all the fat and then converting the meat into little slices. Salt is then applied on these slices and then after drying it, it is ready. On the other hand, many commercial companies that are now preparing beef jerky use different techniques. For instance, some manufacturers grind the meat first and this meat is spread thinly in the form of flat shapes. There are other companies which use the traditional methods.

The addition of different spices in it is also a new phenomenon, as it is made more delicious by the addition of different spices. People can choose from different flavors. If you want to try different flavors of beef jerky, you can explore it and many other products on Groupon, which are available at discounted prices.

3. Growing Industry

The industry of beef jerky is not a small one. You might be thinking that it is prepared only on a local basis because most people don’t know about it. But the fact is, it is a far bigger business than you can think of. The amount of money that this business involves is more than $2.5 billion only in the USA. It is noticed that the beef jerky companies are still growing.

Slim Jim is a very well-known company that supplies beef jerky all around the United States. In 2009, there was an explosion at the manufacturing facility and a shortage of beef jerky was seen nationwide.

4. Wine Companion in Rome

The beef jerky not only developed in the American areas but also in Rome. Initially, the jerky was made with horse or donkey meat in the Rome. But, now it is usually made from pork. Different spices like red pepper and other chilies are added to the pork meat and finally, it is dried. If you get a chance to visit Rome, you will see many places where wine will be served along with beef jerky. In fact, people love eating it with wine.

5. Lean Meat

Beef jerky is also considered lean meat and it contains a high amount of proteins. During the drying process, the meat loses two third of its original weight because all the moisture is removed during the drying process. The resulting meat is very lean but very rich in nutritional components. Another interesting thing is that you will eat a significant amount of meat jerky without even realizing it because it is a very light food.

6. Space Food

The most interesting thing about beef jerky is that for different centuries it was considered a travel food, and it still is. Previously when any food resource wasn’t available on the way, people used to carry beef jerky with the, and today when we are trying to explore different corners of the world, and we send astronauts to space – knowing that there is no hotel on the way – giving them beef jerky to eat. This is an extraordinary and highly compelling parallel that we can draw from the ancient world and the latest space travels with the help of beef jerky.

This guest post is written by Joe Cole, he works at Coupon Goo.

Let’s Hukilau and Eat Some Kaukau

1940s Hukilau from the UH Manoa Rare Hawaiian Images Collection

"Oh we're going to the Hukilau. To the huki, huki, huki, huki, hukilau." If you grew up in Hawaii you've danced to this song at least once and probably taught the hula to a friend or family member visiting from the mainland.

Hukilau was a fishing method used by ancient Hawaiians. In Hawaiian huki means to pull and lau means leaves. A successful Hukilau required a large group of people, perhaps even everyone in the community, to work together.

Ti leaves would be tied to a large net. The net would then be cast in shallow water. As people worked together to pull the net back to shore, the ti leaves would shake and scare the fish into the center of the net. Everyone who helped would then share in eating the catch.

Dinner from Costco just doesn’t have the same feeling does it? I think I'll just step out to Laie and see if anyone wants to join in a hukilau.

Hukilau ti leaves drying at the Honaunau National Park on the Big Island

Ancient Hawaiian Fishing Techniques: Including How to Fight Off A Shark

While visiting the Kaloko - Honokohau National Park in Kona, I stumbled across an amazing book about ancient Hawaiian fishing techniques. The title of the book is Ka ‘Oihana Lawai’a: Hawaiian Fishing Traditions by Daniel Kahā’ulelio. It’s a compilation of articles written in Hawaiian for Ka Nupepa Kuokoaa, a Hawaiian language newspaper, with a side-by-side translation into English by Mary Kawena Pukui.

Kahā’ulelio was a Lahaina native that went on to serve as a legislator and then as the Police Justice of Lahaina. For five months he wrote a weekly column explaining almost 50 different fishing techniques. Interspersed throughout are personal experiences and anecdotes.

For example, on the section about a type of octopus spearing, Kahā’ulelio writes about how his sister was a champion of this method. She would first scatter pebbles across the surface of the water, and then spear the octopus in its lair. If this didn’t work, she would slap the surface of the water with a cupped hand, and this hollow sound would cause the octopus to shoot into its burrow where it could be caught.

Now here’s where it gets wild. The author then goes on a tangent about how his uncle and aunt fought off a shark. Yes, a shark. The couple was out spearing octopus and after catching a large one, the wife wrapped it around her body. They turned to go back to shore, but heard rustling water and turned to see a shark raging toward them. The husband fought it off with a spear and his Lua, or martial arts. He stabbed the shark repeatedly in the eye and body, which only enraged the shark and caused it to attack even more. The wife was frightened, so the husband said to her, “Do not be afraid, I will fight this shark until we reach shore. If he persists in pursuing us up to the beach, I’ll kill him.” (p. 83) The couple did make it to shore, and Kahā’ulelio says the lesson to be learned is to never go octopus spearing in deep water. Otherwise, you might be eaten like Akawa, the Chinese was.

So if you’re looking for an interesting read, please pick up this book. And if you ever need to fight off a shark, sounds like the key is studying martial arts.

PC: Bishop Museum Archives

The Day Eddie Almost Went

Edie would go. In Hawaii that’s synonymous with big waves and the men that ride them. Every year when winter rolls around, people on the North Shore collectively hold their breaths to see whether or not Waimea Bay will pump out waves big enough for the Eddie Aikau to be held. We’re talking monster waves, at least 30 feet tall with consistent sets.

Just last week it was announced that conditions looked good and that the contest was a go. Thousands of people flocked to Waimea, many even camping out the night before. Unfortunately, Mother Nature is a fickle beast and conditions didn’t meet contest criteria. Fans of the event were disappointed, but still seemed happy that they were able to spend a morning at the beach with friends.

Since the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau was established in 1984, the contest has only been held eight times. The last time was in 2009, and I remember being at work and bummed out that I couldn’t be there in person. But thanks to the internet, I was still able to watch the whole thing live while I worked. (I promise I did do some work that day!)

There are only two weeks left in February, so odds are that 2016 is a bust and that the Eddie won’t be held.

Update: EDDIE DID GO! On Thursday, February 25, North Shore boy John John Florence brought home the win.

Photo Credit: Nigel Guerrero

Five Fun Facts About Jerky

1. Jerky is eaten in outer space. Since the early 90s NASA’s space crews have chosen to take jerky as a lightweight, high protein snack.
2. Squirrels make jerky too. No, seriously. Red squirrels have been seen hanging fungi out to dry between tree branches. The dried mushrooms last longer during winter.
3. June 12^th is National Jerky Day.
4. “Jerky” is derived from the Spanish word “Charqui,” which came from Quechua, a Native American language, and it means “to burn meat.”
5. You can use almost any type of meat to make jerky. Although beef is most popular, you can find fish, moose, kangaroo, or even turtle jerky.

 

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

If you're looking for fun activities to do when you're visiting Hawaii, you should definitely try stand up paddle boarding. It's relatively easy to learn and is something that both kids and adults can enjoy. Once you've caught a few small waves, you'll be hooked!

There are tons of rental companies out there that also offer lessons, so shop around and look for the best deal. Also, be sure to check out water conditions before heading out. Stay safe out there and have fun!

Cyber Monday Week

Aloha! Since so many of our customers enjoyed our Black Friday Week discount, we decided to offer another week of specials. In honor of all the online retailers out there, we will be offering 30% off all orders this week only! It's Cyber Monday Week. Don't miss your chance to get a discount on your favorite jerky. Happy snacking!!

Black Friday!

 

It's finally here! The biggest shopping day of the year. Avoid the crowds at the mall and order your gifts online. Get 25% off your entire order until Monday, Nov. 30. What a deal!!

Eat Fish! Stay Heart Healthy

 

Vitamins and supplements seem to be everywhere these days, and many mistakenly believe that these expensive products help them to lead healthier lives. However, most of us get all the nutrients we need from the foods we eat. In fact, eating a variety of foods is the best way for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs.

Eating fish once or twice a week is a smart way to stay heart healthy. Fish, especially fatty fish like Ahi, have Omega-3 fatty acids that doctors believe reduce the risk of heart disease and also lower your cholesterol. When we hear the word “fat” many of us get worried. But there’s good fat and bad fat. Fish contains good fat, the unsaturated kind, which may help decrease triglycerides, reduce inflammation, decrease stroke risk, and may even increase brain function.

If you’re worried about possible mercury poisoning there are reports that say that Selenium, a mineral also found in fish, can counteract mercury. Click here to see a poster released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council which breaks down the amount of selenium and mercury found in many popular ocean fish we consume here in Hawaii.

Really the key to living a healthy life is balance. Keep that in mind as you eat, drink, and play.

Hawaiian Tide Pools

If you have kids in Hawaii, one of the best places to take them to play are the beautiful tidal pools found all over the state. On the North Shore of Oahu, Shark's Cove is a great spot I remember going to as a kid. There are tons of tiny sea creatures to observe and play with, including tiny cuttlefish, reef fish, and sea cucumbers.

Now that I live on the Big Island, one of my favorite beach spots is O-TECH. There's a great little area where kids can play in shallow water and look for all kinds of treasures. Make sure you keep an eye on the ocean though, because if big surf is coming in huge waves can come crashing in at any second to pull you out to sea.

If you're fortunate enough to be in Kona during sunset time, you're in for a show. Our west facing coastline boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets you'll ever see.

To see more great photos check out this website.