Beef Jerky and Beef Biltong are two of the most well-known dried and dehydrated meat products. These two air-dried meat snacks are most likely Australia’s most popular. In the meantime, a popular snack in Southern Africa is slowly making its way onto Australian supermarket shelves. This snack is known as Droewors. It is primarily made from beef and is available in a variety of styles and flavours.
Droewors’ ingredients differ from standard boerewors in that veal or pork are generally substituted for beef, which is a more solid meat to dry. Curing agents are also rarely found in Droewors. It is typically dried quickly to mimic the hot weather of South Africa, making it distinct from other air-dried meat and sausage.
What Is The History Of Droewors?
It began as a Southern African snack food, similar to Biltong. It was derived from the traditional coriander seed spiced boerewors, which is produced into a spiral and then cooked and is prevalent in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Since boerewors do not keep well if not refrigerated, it was discovered that drying them by hanging them in hot, dry African conditions was a great way to extend their shelf life. Thus was born the traditional Droewors.
Since then, air-dried meat producers and aficionados have put their spins on this traditional Southern African snack, but as is frequently the case, the original is always the best. This is why we don’t go overboard with spices and complex flavours. The meat must always be the star of the show, with the seasoning serving as a nice complement.
What Is It Made Of?
Droewors can be prepared with a variety of meats, including lamb, venison, and even ostrich. However, traditionally, it is produced with minced beef and aromatics such as black pepper, coriander, nutmeg, cloves, and really good brown vinegar, as well as salt. It is occasionally flavoured with garlic or chilli peppers.
To make the thin sausages, combine all of the ingredients and stuff them into either a sheep or collagen casing. It’s then hung in a warm, dry place for over a week to air dry. The wait is good enough to justify it because, aside from using really good meat, it’s what gives it that tender bite.
Droewors come in thick and thin varieties, but the thinner sausage is preferred by both consumers and producers. Thinner sausage will dry faster and be less likely to mould, whereas thicker sausage will take longer to cure and dry, potentially raising their prices. Consumers prefer thinner sausage because it is easier to transport and enjoy as a tasty snack on the go.
What Are The Nutritional Benefits?
Droewors, like Biltong and jerky, is a high-protein snack that is great for fueling your body and keeping you fuller for longer. The higher fat content of Droewors distinguishes it. There has been some debate about the benefits and drawbacks of including fat in our diets, but for those following a low-carb or keto diet, including fat in moderation is a good way to get the energy that isn’t coming from carbohydrates.
Furthermore, Droewors are a good source of iron and contain approximately less sodium than jerky. As a result, it’s safe to say that it’s a well-balanced snack in terms of nutritional value.
What Are The Best Ways To Enjoy Droewors?
Droewors can be used in a variety of dishes due to their soft chew. Of course, it’s delicious on its own as a snack, but it also works well as an accompaniment. Here are some suggestions:
- It can be used on pizza
- It can be added to a baked potato
- It can be used as a protein boost
Droewors can be used for a variety of purposes other than eating them as a snack. Basically, anything that can be made with cured or cooked meat can be made with it instead.
Is Droewors Similar To Biltong?
Even though Droewors and Biltong are made by the same people at the same time and with the same meats and spices, there is one significant difference between them. Droewors are thin round sausages, whereas Biltong is typically cut into thin slices from beef slabs. Droewors are made into thin sticks in particular because they dry much faster in warm and dry conditions than Biltong. It also has a distinct snap to it when bent, demonstrating its distinctive texture that is ideal for snacking during outdoor recreation, for those on high-protein diets, and for those who simply enjoy the taste.
Is Droewors Healthier Than Biltong?
Droewors are a good source of protein before or after working out and are nutrient-dense, with essential fats, vitamins, and iron. It’s ideal for people with low iron levels, athletes, and dieters.
Biltong is low in fat, generally averaging 3%, making it the ideal weight-loss diet option. It is free of gluten by nature. It’s the ideal snack for those on a diet. It contains a lot of Vitamin B12, which is necessary for healthy blood and nerve cells as well as cell replication.
In general, Droewors and Biltong are both nutritious.
