WHAT IS BILTONG Biltong is South African dried meat. The word comes from Dutch with ‘BIL’ meaning buttock and ‘TONG’ meaning strip. Biltong has been around for centuries; for instance, a more primitive form, the Dutch tassal, was also prepared in certain areas of France during the late Middle Ages. Tassal was also made in Batavia, and made its way to South Africa with the Dutch settlers where it was adapted to the less pungent biltong.
Biltong has been a favourite with South African’s and Zimbabwean’s for close on 400 years now. This mildly spiced and salted, air dried meat, has sustained these people since the early days of the Voortrekkers and has, in more recent years, lent it's name to both the complexion and diet of one of South Africa's most famous sons - the single-handed round the world sailor "Biltong" Bertie Reed.
No Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Boxing or other sporting occasion in South Africa - whether it be watched live or on television - is quite complete without a few beers and a good supply of Biltong. It also makes a great traveling companion as it can last for long periods of time with very little attention, always providing sustenance in the absence of other foods or delicacies.
In the home it can be used in a multitude of ways to compliment other dishes: thinly sliced as a filling for omelets, sliced or shredded as a filling for pancakes, crepes and quiches, salads, and spreads. Of course, the South African farmer's favorite: plenty of shredded Biltong on a slice of freshly baked bread with plenty of butter.
Biltong can be made using a variety of meats that's available, but the most popular tastes are still:
beef
game
ostrich
The tastes vary from meat to meat and is further enhanced by adding the makers own blend of herbs and spices - sometimes more secretly guarded by the maker than the Coke-Cola recipe.
Biltong making is traditionally made during the winter months but is also available during the summer as the makers use specially made cabinets to cure the meat-ready for consumption by the eagerly awaiting millions.
Game biltong is popular due to its low cholesterol levels and high protein value and the absence of fat.
