Biltong
What is Biltong?
Biltong, a South African delicacy, has ingrained itself deeply into the culinary hearts of the UK. Our journey with biltong began when Steven East, the owner of The South African Spaza Shop, moved from South Africa to Swindon. Longing for the familiar taste of home, Steven decided not only to cure his cravings but also to share this slice of South African heritage with others. That's how The South African Spaza Shop became a hub for South Africans in the UK, and for anyone keen to explore the rich, savoury flavours of biltong.
At its core, biltong is a high-protein, low-carb meat snack, celebrated for its succulent taste and nutritional benefits. Its preparation involves curing choice cuts of beef, which are then seasoned with a unique blend of spices before being dried. The result is a tender, flavourful snack that's both healthy and satisfying.
Our Store's Commitment to Authenticity sets us apart. We're dedicated to offering authentic South African biltong, staying true to traditional recipes and preparation methods. Whether you prefer it in slabs or pre-cut slices, each piece of biltong from our store guarantees a taste of South Africa's culinary tradition.
Understanding the need for convenience in today's fast-paced world, we've made it effortless to enjoy biltong wherever you are in the UK. Whether collected in person from our store in Swindon or delivered directly to your doorstep, our biltong is just a few clicks away. Our website seamlessly connects enthusiasts across Scotland, Wales, and England, and we warmly welcome our friends from Ireland to visit our store.
Embracing the growing popularity of biltong in the UK, we're proud to contribute to its story, bringing a piece of South Africa to the UK through our passion and dedication. Biltong from The South African Spaza Shop is more than just a snack; it's a taste of home, a culinary adventure, and a nutritious option for those seeking quality and flavour.
History of Biltong
The rich tapestry of South African culinary tradition is incomplete without mentioning biltong, a high-protein, low-carb meat snack admired globally. We explain this delectable treat and its significant journey from South Africa to the hearts of people in the UK, particularly through The South African Spaza Shop in Swindon.
Origin of Biltong
Biltong's roots trace back to the Afrikaans people of South Africa, who perfected the art of preserving meat long before the advent of refrigeration. The word “biltong” comes from an Afrikaans amalgamation of two Dutch words: “Bil” translates as rump, buttock or hindquarter, while “tong” means strip or tongue. Utilising a mix of vinegar, salt, and spices, they dried slices of meat in the arid African climate, creating a durable, nutritious snack. This method proved invaluable during long treks or hunting trips, providing a reliable source of protein when fresh food was scarce.
Evolution of Biltong
Over the centuries, biltong has evolved from a survival necessity into a cultural icon, enjoyed for its unique taste and texture. The traditional process of making biltong — marinating, air-drying, and then slicing the meat — has remained largely unchanged, a testament to its enduring appeal. With the growing population of South Africans around the globe, biltong has found new audiences, particularly in the UK, where it's not just a treat but a taste of home for many.
The growing popularity of biltong in the UK can't be discussed without mentioning The South African Spaza Shop. Established by Steven East, who yearned for the familiar taste of biltong after moving from South Africa to Swindon, our store has become a hub for ex-pats and culinary adventurers alike. Recognising the opportunity to share a piece of South African heritage, we've dedicated ourselves to offering the most authentic biltong experience, using traditional recipes and the finest ingredients.
What sets our biltong apart is not just the quality but our commitment to making it accessible. Customers can purchase our biltong directly from our store in Swindon or order from our website for delivery across Scotland, Wales and England. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about providing a service that brings a sense of belonging and comfort to South Africans living far from home and introducing others to a delicious piece of our culture.
Biltong's journey from a necessary means of preservation to a beloved snack symbolises resilience, tradition, and the power of flavour. At The South African Spaza Shop, we are proud to be a part of this journey, continuing to bring high-quality biltong to our customers, wherever they may be in the UK.
Types of Biltong
Biltong, a cherished snack with South African origins, has seen a surge in popularity across the UK. This increase in demand has given rise to various types of biltong, catering to an extensive range of tastes and preferences. At The South African Spaza Shop, we take pride in offering an array of biltong types, providing a unique taste of South Africa right here in the UK. Our store in Swindon and our comprehensive website make it convenient for enthusiasts to explore and enjoy these delightful snacks, whether they're in Scotland, Wales, England or Ireland.
Traditional Biltong
Traditional biltong remains the most sought-after type among purists who appreciate the historical preparation methods that date back centuries. This version is made primarily from beef, seasoned with a simple yet robust blend of spices, vinegar, and salt. The meat is then air-dried to perfection, resulting in a rich, savoury snack that's both tender and packed with flavour. At our store, we honour these time-tested techniques to ensure that each piece of traditional biltong we sell maintains its authentic South African roots. Our aim is to offer a genuine taste of home to the South Africans living in the UK and introduce this culinary delight to a broader audience. Whether you pick up your biltong in person or order it for delivery from our website, you're assured of receiving a product steeped in tradition and taste.
Flavoured Biltong
For those looking to explore beyond the traditional, flavoured biltong presents an exciting variety of options. Our flavoured biltong ranges from mildly spiced to intensely hot, incorporating flavours like chilli. We constantly experiment with new seasoning blends to cater to evolving tastes and preferences. Our careful selection of spices ensures that each variant highlights the unique texture and taste of biltong, making every bite a new experience. Flavoured biltong has quickly become a favourite among our customers, offering a modern twist on the classic snack without compromising on quality. Whether you're after something to tickle your taste buds or a snack that packs a punch, our flavoured biltong selections are sure to satisfy you.
At The South African Spaza Shop, biltong is more than just a snack; it's a celebration of South African culture and culinary expertise. We're committed to sharing this beloved treat with as wide an audience as possible, ensuring that each piece, whether traditional or flavoured, carries the essence of South Africa. Our store in Swindon and our comprehensive delivery options mean that no matter where you are in the UK, a taste of South Africa is never too far away. Explore our selection, and let us bring the rich flavours of biltong directly to your doorstep.
How to Make Biltong
Biltong has carved a niche for itself in the UK's culinary lexicon. Our journey at The South African Spaza Shop in embracing and promoting biltong reflects our dedicated efforts to offer an authentic slice of South African culture to our patrons. As aficionados and purveyors of this rich, flavourful snack, we’re here to guide you through the quintessential process of making biltong, from preparation to the final delectable product.
Preparation Process
The adventure of crafting biltong begins with the selection of prime cuts of beef, though other meats can be used. We emphasise beef because it's not only widely available but also because it perfectly captures the essence of true South African biltong. Once the ideal cut is chosen, it's all about immersing the meat in a marinade of vinegar and spices. This step is crucial as it infuses the meat with those distinct biltong flavours while the vinegar acts as a natural preservative.
In our store, we adhere to time-honoured recipes that have been passed down through generations, ensuring each batch of biltong retains the authentic taste and texture. Whether collected from our facility in Swindon or delivered via our website, we promise an unparalleled biltong experience, enriched by spices and marinades perfected over years.
Drying and Curing
After marinating, the magic of biltong truly begins in its Drying and Curing stage. Traditionally, this involved hanging the marinated meat out to dry under the African sun. At The South African Spaza Shop, we replicate this age-old process within controlled environments that mimic the dry, warm air of South Africa. This step is instrumental in achieving biltong’s signature texture and flavour.
Using a dehydrator or a special drying room, the marinated meat undergoes a slow drying process over several days. This method ensures that every piece of biltong retains its moisture on the inside while becoming crisp on the outside. It’s this meticulous attention to the drying and curing process that distinguishes our biltong, making it a sought-after snack among South Africans and enthusiasts across the UK.
Whether you're on the lookout for an energising protein kick or a nostalgic treat, our biltong, available for collection in Swindon or through delivery across Scotland, Wales, and England, stands as a testament to our commitment to quality and authenticity. And for our friends in Ireland, our doors in Swindon are always open to share this delicacy.
Biltong vs Jerky
When exploring the world of dried meats, the comparison between biltong and jerky is inevitable. Both are beloved snacks worldwide, but they hold distinct differences that cater to varied palates. Biltong, a South African delicacy, has been steadily growing in popularity across the UK. Our journey at The South African Spaza Shop began with a simple missing piece - Steven East, our founder, longed for the taste of biltong after moving from South Africa to Swindon. This craving led to the birth of our shop, a haven for South Africans in the UK and locals alike, looking to indulge in this unique treat.
Unlike jerky, which is often dried through the application of heat, biltong undergoes a unique air-drying process. This not only preserves the meat but also enhances its flavour, making biltong tender and juicy, contrary to the chewier texture of jerky. Additionally, biltong is marinated in a blend of spices before drying, adding a complex flavour profile that jerky, typically flavoured post-drying, often lacks.
We've committed ourselves to honour these traditional recipes, ensuring that every slice of biltong from our shop offers a genuine taste of South Africa. For years, we've perfected our methods, and our dedication is reflected in the quality and authenticity of our biltong. Whether you're stopping by our store in Swindon or browsing our selection online, we offer a variety of biltong that can either be collected in person or delivered to your doorstep. Our services reach across Scotland, Wales, and England, and we warmly welcome our friends from Ireland to visit our store or explore our offerings online.
At The South African Spaza Shop, we're more than just a store; we're a bridge to the rich flavours of South Africa, right here in the UK. Our passion for biltong drives us, ensuring that every piece we serve brings a bit of home to those who've journeyed far and introduces the uninitiated to the depths of South African culinary tradition.
Shop Biltong Online
In recent years, we've seen an undeniable surge in biltong's popularity across the UK, signalling a growing appetite for this rich, flavourful South African delicacy. We're at the heart of this culinary renaissance, thanks to the vision of our founder, Steven East. After moving from South Africa to Swindon, Steven's yearning for a taste of home led him to establish The South African Spaza Shop, a beacon for South Africans in the UK craving authentic biltong.
Our journey began with Steven's personal quest to recreate and share the unique taste of biltong. This endeavour quickly evolved into a mission to bring a slice of South Africa to not only South Africans living in the UK but to anyone curious about this delectable snack. We offer an assortment of biltong options, carefully prepared and seasoned, following traditional recipes handed down through generations. Our biltong selection is available for purchase directly from our store in Swindon, offering a warm, welcoming experience for those who come by.
For our customers spread across Scotland, Wales, and England, we haven't forgotten about you. Our website serves as a digital storefront, making it easy for you to order your favourite biltong and have it delivered right to your door. We understand the convenience of online shopping and have streamlined our processes to ensure a seamless experience, from browsing to checkout. This ensures that no matter where you are in the UK, a taste of South Africa is only a click away.
Our friends from Ireland are also invited to partake in this culinary experience. Though we're based in Swindon, we're committed to making our biltong accessible to you. Feel free to stop by our store when you're in the area, or get in touch through our website. We're here to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the robust flavors of our meticulously crafted biltong, regardless of their location.
In embodying the spirit of South African hospitality, we've made it our mission to share the joy of biltong with as many people as possible. Whether you're picking up your order from our Swindon store or awaiting delivery in the comfort of your home, we're dedicated to bringing you the finest biltong the UK has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is biltong and jerky the same thing?
Biltong undergoes a unique process involving vinegar curing and air drying before being sliced, while jerky is thinly sliced, then marinated and cooked. This results in biltong being softer and saltier, and jerky being drier and chewier.
How do you know if biltong has gone bad?
An off smell is a key indicator that biltong is no longer good to eat. Fresh biltong should have a savory scent. If the aroma is unpleasant or sour, it's best to discard it.
What are the disadvantages of biltong?
While biltong is a delicious snack, it should be consumed in moderation due to its potential to contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol, and increased blood pressure when eaten excessively.
Why does biltong not rot?
The curing and drying process of biltong creates an environment that is inhospitable to bacterial growth, thus preventing the meat from spoiling. However, its freshness and flavor may diminish over time.
Is biltong eaten raw?
Biltong isn't considered raw due to its preservation process, which involves curing and air-drying the meat for about two weeks. This method effectively "cooks" the meat without heat, ensuring safety and edibility.