Jerky

NO JERKING AROUND

Jerky – one of the oldest snacks in history has seen a revival in bars around the world. As a prepackaged, high-protein snack jerky is available in many different flavours. Jerky companies such as Tiger Buck, Bull Bar, and Darling Jerky have focused on the on-premise market, providing a high- quality pre-packaged snack.

WHAT IS JERKY?

Jerky is fresh meat that has been dried to prevent it from spoiling. Its name is derived from a South American tribe called the Quechua. They originally called jerky “ch’arki,” which means, “to burn (meat).” The Quechua used meat from alpaca and llamas that were boned, trimmed, cut into slices and pounded thin. It was then rubbed with salt and dried in the sun or smoked over a fire.

HISTORY OF JERKY

Jerky can date back to the 1500s. A dense source of nutrition, it is flavourful, compact, and can be made from almost any meat. Jerky reached a height of popularity during the expansion into North America, where traders and explorers used it as an essential source of nutrition while travelling to new areas, unsure of terrain, and food or water sources. Following suit, the Spanish Conquistadors picked up on this and called it “Charqui”. Upon invasion, they saw the natives of North America drying meat from buffalo, elk and deer. This method enabled people to consume high protein food that was readily available when pickings were slim and food was scarce. It later became a staple for American pioneers and cowboys.

Over the years, jerky has become more palatable thanks to various spices. It is now one of the world’s leading snacks. Contrary to popular belief, beef jerky is actually a healthy snack. It is an excellent source of protein, low in fat and calories, and has minimal carbohydrates per serving. It also has a long shelf life.

MODERN JERKY

A number of jerky makers have begun to place an emphasis in the onpremise market, with brands such as Tiger Buck, Local Legends, Bull Bar, Dale’s Jerky and Darling Jerky all producing high-quality jerky. Benjamin Cairns of Tiger Buck said, “The idea behind Tiger Buck was to bring to life a premium snack brand targeted at the on-premise market. Most snack brands focus on big supermarkets and petrol and convenience channels (which is obviously where the big volume is)…but Tiger Buck’s true home is behind the bar, in the hands of consumers at their favourite watering hole, and paired with their favourite drink...We saw the opportunity to deliver a snack brand to the on-premise that was created for the on-premise.” Based in Western Australia, Bullbar beef jerky produces jerky with no added salt or sugar and is the perfect snack when you’re limited for time. Bullbar personally source and select the finest grade of ingredient to use in their jerky, including premium Australian beef, fresh spices and a unique blend of special seasonings. Currently, Bullbar only produces beef jerky but have been looking into experimenting with different proteins, so watch this space.

PAIRINGS

Benjamin Cairns said that while the obvious pairing for jerky is beer, dark spirits and cocktails are equally as good, “There are even some venues selling a ‘Nip & Buck’- a price-pointed spirit served with Tiger Buck Jerky”. While Tiger Buck only has one hero variety more is slated for 2017.

WHY SHOULD VENUES STOCK JERKY?

As consumers become more health conscious, they’re often looking to avoid unhealthy foods where they can. Jerky for instance, is high in protein, low in fat, and brands such as Tiger Buck and Bullbar contain nothing artificial. Jerky is also ready made, has a relatively long shelf life and is healthier than traditional savoury bar snacks like potato chips and pretzels. Jerky makes for a great consumer snack choice. On speaking about the benefits of jerky in on-premise venues, Bryan Cortese, Managing Director of Bullbar Jerky said, “We understand today’s consumer is highly discerning, applying greater knowledge and awareness of health and nutritional values to the food products they purchase. So we keep our jerky as natural and healthy as possible. It does not contain any artificial flavouring, colours or preservatives.

Cairns points out that “Tiger Buck is one of the few Jerky brands that’s been certified by Coeliac Australia as an approved Gluten Free product.”

So don’t jerk around when it comes to venue snacks, get onto jerky!

MOJITO

The mojito is the classic Cuban cocktail revived during the Prohibition era. It became so popular during this time that a number of bars and clubs around the Caribbean island only served mojitos. One brand has also become synonymous with the mojito, as Cuba’s original white rum, BACARDÍ.

The mojito became the official cocktail of Cuba throughout the 1920s when Americans flocked to Cuba for parties away from Prohibition. Since then the popularity of the mojito has never faltered and remains one of the world’s most popular cocktails.

MIX A MOJITO (SINGLE SERVE)

Ingredients: • 2 Parts BACARDÍ Carta Blanca • 1 Lime sliced into four wedges • 12 Fresh mint leaves • 2 x Tsp caster sugar • Soda water

Method: Muddle a sliced lime into a tall glass. Add 2 teaspoons of caster sugar, stir in two parts of BACARDÍ Carta Blanca. Add 12 mint leaves with lots of ice. Top with soda. Enjoy!

Garnish: Fresh mint to garnish

Glass: Tall