The Official Biltong Enthusiasts Thread

Something is bothering me about your coriander. I'm not sure why, it just does. Oh well, hope it tastes good, otherwise, who gives a crap :D
 
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1412788658.100011.jpg

Got the spice from a friend whose dad owns a spice company. Think they generally sell to butchers so it doesn't have a very 'home grown' look to it. I've tasted biltong made with it and it's very tasty.

I'll make my own spice mix next batch. This is my first try so just wanna figure out the drying process.
 
My coriander plants bolted to seed, so I have over 500g seed. Much more pungent flavour.
 
paddy_za said:
View attachment 156398

Got the spice from a friend whose dad owns a spice company. Think they generally sell to butchers so it doesn't have a very 'home grown' look to it. I've tasted biltong made with it and it's very tasty.

I'll make my own spice mix next batch. This is my first try so just wanna figure out the drying process.
Click to expand...

Ouch. That stuff has msg. Lol
 
Great Thread Guys

Came across it yesterday, and have read through most posts, and must say I think I've picked up more from here than anywhere else on the web / YouTube etc. on this subject.

I have made about 10 batches (4-6 pieces / 2-3kg per batch) in the last 2 months or so, also in a Mellerware Biltong King dryer. Have experimented a little to find what is best for me. Have had some good results and some great results, however the last batch which I made last Sunday has turned out Lousy, as some other posters have mentioned previously this batch is hard on the outside and rawish (not just wet) on the inside, funny thing was I made this exactly the same as the previous batch which was my best to date.

Reading here, with everyone else' experience I can only surmise that it must be a heat issue (the last couple of days have been very hot here in Joeys, and when I made the previous batch a week & half ago, it was significantly cooler weather.

Lesson learnt - DO NOT use light bulb in hot weather, and move dryer to a cooler location. I think I will try to get a cheapish thermometer to monitor the internal temp of the box - any suggestion where I can get one would be welcomed :)
 
tedl said:
Great Thread Guys

Came across it yesterday, and have read through most posts, and must say I think I've picked up more from here than anywhere else on the web / YouTube etc. on this subject.

I have made about 10 batches (4-6 pieces / 2-3kg per batch) in the last 2 months or so, also in a Mellerware Biltong King dryer. Have experimented a little to find what is best for me. Have had some good results and some great results, however the last batch which I made last Sunday has turned out Lousy, as some other posters have mentioned previously this batch is hard on the outside and rawish (not just wet) on the inside, funny thing was I made this exactly the same as the previous batch which was my best to date.

Reading here, with everyone else' experience I can only surmise that it must be a heat issue (the last couple of days have been very hot here in Joeys, and when I made the previous batch a week & half ago, it was significantly cooler weather.

Lesson learnt - DO NOT use light bulb in hot weather, and move dryer to a cooler location. I think I will try to get a cheapish thermometer to monitor the internal temp of the box - any suggestion where I can get one would be welcomed :)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip regarding light. My house gets warm during the day as the windows are closed, the kitchen is the coolest so will just keep it there. My garden gets hot enough to bake food so that isn't a possibility.
 
A thermometer can probably be sourced from a pet shop. Those that stock the stuff for keeping reptiles in glas boxes? Guessing here....
 
faniedry said:
A thermometer can probably be sourced from a pet shop. Those that stock the stuff for keeping reptiles in glas boxes? Guessing here....
Click to expand...

Yeah thanks Fanie

After googling a bit myself as well, looks like pet shop (for reptiles specifically) might be the best bet - Hygrometer / thermometer.

Now the next question, what is the optimal temp & humidity we are looking for?

temp >28 deg C ??
Humidity ???

Maybe there is butcher out there who can advise the optimal levels that are required?
 
I'd guess you'd want the least humidity as possible, humidity promotes bacterial growth. Also those pet shop meters are never accurate, I have a few for my plants.
 
tedl said:
Great Thread Guys

Came across it yesterday, and have read through most posts, and must say I think I've picked up more from here than anywhere else on the web / YouTube etc. on this subject.

I have made about 10 batches (4-6 pieces / 2-3kg per batch) in the last 2 months or so, also in a Mellerware Biltong King dryer. Have experimented a little to find what is best for me. Have had some good results and some great results, however the last batch which I made last Sunday has turned out Lousy, as some other posters have mentioned previously this batch is hard on the outside and rawish (not just wet) on the inside, funny thing was I made this exactly the same as the previous batch which was my best to date.

Reading here, with everyone else' experience I can only surmise that it must be a heat issue (the last couple of days have been very hot here in Joeys, and when I made the previous batch a week & half ago, it was significantly cooler weather.

Lesson learnt - DO NOT use light bulb in hot weather, and move dryer to a cooler location. I think I will try to get a cheapish thermometer to monitor the internal temp of the box - any suggestion where I can get one would be welcomed :)
Click to expand...

Yes mostly first hand experience around here, need to learn from mistakes as it can be costly, however the idea is to have fun and enjoy the process.

I put a batch of biltong in my dryer which is situated in the kitchen (24 hours ago) and already the meat has hardened on the outside, I did not run the heater element, just the fan, however JHB was rather warm today so I am guessing it was too hot for the biltong.

If you on Facebook their is a page (biltong, boerewors and potjiekos) with recipes and discussions etc. Its run by the same guy who manages the www.biltongmakers.com so although its following is worldwide, it has some great tips and ideas.
 
tedl said:
Yeah thanks Fanie

After googling a bit myself as well, looks like pet shop (for reptiles specifically) might be the best bet - Hygrometer / thermometer.

Now the next question, what is the optimal temp & humidity we are looking for?

temp >28 deg C ??
Humidity ???

Maybe there is butcher out there who can advise the optimal levels that are required?
Click to expand...

28 deg C seems to be the right spot with as little humidity as possible. Beside bacterial growth, humidity prevents the moisture of the meat being pulled to the surface.
 
Wall wants to know why there are no bean recipes in this thread?

It is a biltong discussion after all and he has established that you can make biltong out of beans...
 
faniedry said:
Don't start this again. The next time I see Wall I'll kick him right in the biltong ;)
Click to expand...

ok, ok - won't derail the thread.

Must say there are some really good tips here

One question, how pungent/lingering is the biltong smell while you busy making it (not that there is anything wrong with that, just a question) - there are a few vegematarians that might find it objectionable in my household...
 
AfricanTech said:
ok, ok - won't derail the thread.

Must say there are some really good tips here

One question, how pungent/lingering is the biltong smell while you busy making it (not that there is anything wrong with that, just a question) - there are a few vegematarians that might find it objectionable in my household...
Click to expand...

Nobody is perfect. Perhaps the amazing smell of biltong will cure them of their malady anyway?
 
depends where you keep the drier

i keep mine in the lounge and well in a flat its in the path of the front door

so the woof you get when walking in is strong ..i love it though :D
 
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