News and Posts to Graze on

Intro

In the world of fitness, the right nutrition plays a pivotal role in achieving your goals. Whether you're an avid gym-goer, a dedicated runner, or simply someone committed to a healthier lifestyle, you understand that the right fuel can make all the difference. That's where Crackly's biltong comes into play. In this post, we'll explore why biltong is a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts and how our product offerings are tailored to meet your needs.

Protein-Packed Biltong: Your Workout Ally

Protein is King: When it comes to building and repairing muscles, protein reigns supreme. As a fitness enthusiast, you're likely familiar with the importance of incorporating ample protein into your diet. This is where biltong truly shines. Our biltong products are rich in high-quality protein, making them an excellent choice for post-workout recovery and muscle growth.

Quick and Convenient: We understand that fitness enthusiasts are often on the move. That's why we offer a range of biltong snack packs like Bits & Bites, Chilli Chips, and Pepper Sticks, which are not only packed with protein but also conveniently sized to fit into your gym bag or pocket. No more excuses for missing your protein fix after a tough workout!

Low Fat, High Flavor: Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for achieving your fitness goals. Crackly's biltong is a smart choice as it's low in fat while delivering an explosion of flavor. Our products, like Chilli Bites and Spicy Pepper Sticks, add that much-needed zest to your diet without compromising on health.

Tailored for Your Needs: Crackly's Biltong Product Lineup

Biltong Snack Packs: Our snack-sized offerings, including Bits & Bites and Sliced Chilli, are perfect for a quick protein boost during your workout sessions or as a post-workout snack to aid muscle recovery.

Biltong Buddy Packs: Slightly larger and equally delicious, these packs like Chilli Chips and Sliced Lean are great for sharing with a workout buddy or for those days when you need a bit more protein to refuel.

Biltong Family Packs: When it's a family affair, our Family Packs offer a variety of options, ensuring everyone gets their protein fix. Choices like Chilli Mix and Sliced are sure to satisfy every palate.

Biltong Wors Sticks: For those who prefer a different texture, our Wors Sticks lineup, including Cabanossi and Dry Wors, offers a savory alternative to traditional biltong.

The Crackly's Promise

At Crackly's, we take pride in our commitment to quality and taste. We source only the finest ingredients and use time-honored recipes to craft our biltong. With Crackly's, you're not just getting a snack; you're getting a delicious, protein-packed fuel that supports your fitness journey.

So, whether you're gearing up for an intense workout, recovering from one, or simply need a satisfying and nutritious snack to keep you going throughout the day, Crackly's biltong is your trusted partner. Elevate your fitness game with biltong that's as passionate about your goals as you are.

Ready to power up your workouts and taste the difference? Explore our range of biltong products and find the perfect fit for your fitness journey. Remember, greatness begins with great nutrition, and Crackly's is here to help you achieve it.

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Intro

Game day is all about excitement, camaraderie, and of course, delicious snacks to fuel your cheering spirit. At Crackly's, we believe that biltong is the ultimate game day snack. Its bold flavors, high protein content, and satisfying crunch make it the perfect companion to your favorite sports events. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the ideal biltong pairings to elevate your game day experience.

Chilli Bites and Guacamole Dip

Product Pairing: Chilli Bites (40gr)

Description: The fiery kick of our Chilli Bites perfectly complements the creamy, coolness of guacamole dip. The heat from the biltong is balanced by the richness of the dip, creating an irresistible combination that's sure to score big with your taste buds.

Pepper Sticks and Cheese Platter

Product Pairing: Pepper Sticks (40gr)

Description: Spice things up with our Pepper Sticks alongside a cheese platter. The spiciness of the biltong adds a zesty twist to the mellow flavors of various cheeses. It's a flavor explosion that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Sliced Chilli Biltong and Nachos

Product Pairing: Sliced Chilli (50gr)

Description: Upgrade your nacho game by adding our Sliced Chilli Biltong. These thin, spicy slices add an extra layer of crunch and flavor to your nacho platter. Top it off with melted cheese and salsa for a winning combination.

Cabanossi Sticks and Mustard Dip

Product Pairing: Cabanossi Sticks (40gr)

Description: For those who prefer a milder biltong, our Cabanossi Sticks are the perfect choice. Pair them with a tangy mustard dip for a classic game day snack that's easy to enjoy.

Biltong Mix and Vegetable Crudites

Product Pairing: Chilli Mix (50gr)

Description: Our Chilli Mix offers a medley of biltong flavors and textures. Balance its spice with a platter of fresh vegetable crudites and a cool ranch dip. It's a healthier game day option that doesn't compromise on taste.

Salami Sticks and Mini Pretzels

Product Pairing: Salami Sticks (40gr)

Description: The smokey, savory goodness of Salami Sticks pairs beautifully with mini pretzels. This combo combines different textures and flavors, making it an ideal snack to keep your energy up during the game.

Conclusion

Game day snacking just got a whole lot better with these Crackly's biltong pairings. Whether you're a fan of spicy, savory, or mild flavors, there's a biltong option for everyone. Elevate your next game day gathering with these delectable combinations, and watch as your friends and family cheer not only for their favorite team but for your unbeatable snacks too. Crackly's is here to make your game day memorable, one delicious bite at a time. Enjoy the game!

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Intro

When it comes to enjoying biltong, the options for enhancing your snacking experience are as diverse as the flavors themselves. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a beer connoisseur, there's a perfect pairing waiting to elevate your taste buds. In this guide, we explore the delightful world of pairing biltong with wine and beer, helping you discover the harmony of flavors that awaits.

Red Wine and Biltong

Classic Pairing: Biltong and red wine are a match made in heaven. The rich, robust flavors of red wine complement the savory, umami notes of biltong wonderfully. Opt for a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, to stand up to the bold flavors of your favorite biltong variety.

Flavor Profile: The tannins in red wine help cleanse your palate, making each bite of biltong taste just as flavorful as the first. The combination of the wine's dark fruit notes with the meaty, salty biltong creates a delightful contrast that leaves you craving more.

White Wine and Biltong

Surprising Pairing: While it may not be the most common pairing, white wine can also complement biltong beautifully. Choose a crisp and refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. The wine's acidity can balance the biltong's saltiness.

Flavor Profile: The bright and zesty notes of white wine can create a refreshing contrast with the meaty, salty flavors of biltong. This pairing works exceptionally well with milder biltong flavors and is perfect for a warm summer day.

Beer and Biltong

Everyday Pairing: Beer and biltong are a match made for casual gatherings and relaxed evenings. The carbonation in beer refreshes your palate, making it an excellent choice for biltong. A few classic beer options to consider include lagers, pale ales, and IPAs.

Flavor Profile: The bitterness and effervescence of beer provide a pleasant counterbalance to the rich, savory flavors of biltong. The pairing is perfect for those who enjoy the contrast of flavors, with the beer cleansing your palate between bites.

Craft Beer and Biltong

Exploratory Pairing: For a more adventurous pairing, explore the world of craft beer. Craft beers offer an array of unique flavor profiles, from fruity and spicy to complex and smoky. Experiment with different craft beers to find the perfect match for your favorite biltong flavors.

Flavor Profile: The diverse world of craft beer allows you to tailor your pairing experience. A citrusy IPA can complement spicy biltong, while a smoky porter can enhance the flavors of traditional biltong.

Disclaimer

Remember that the best pairings are those that appeal to your personal preferences. Don't hesitate to mix and match to discover your own favorite combinations. Whether you're savoring biltong with a glass of red wine by the fireplace or enjoying it with a cold beer during a game night, the possibilities are endless.

We've Got You Covered

At Crackly's, we take pride in offering a wide range of biltong flavors to suit every palate. Whether you're a wine aficionado or a beer enthusiast, we invite you to explore our selection and embark on a journey of taste and discovery. Cheers to the perfect biltong pairing!

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Intro

Biltong, South Africa's beloved dried meat snack, is not just a delicious treat; it's also a nutritional powerhouse. If you're a fan of this delectable snack or you're considering adding it to your diet, you're in for a treat – both for your taste buds and your health. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the health benefits of biltong, shedding light on why it's more than just a savory delight.

High Protein Content

‍Biltong is renowned for its high protein content, making it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, immune function, and overall well-being. Just a small serving of biltong can provide a significant protein punch, making it a great snack option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Low in Fat

‍Compared to many other snacks, biltong is impressively low in fat. The traditional preparation process involves removing excess fat from the meat, resulting in a lean and flavorful snack. For individuals watching their fat intake, biltong offers a guilt-free, savory treat.

Rich in Essential Nutrients

‍Biltong is a source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12), iron, and zinc. These nutrients play crucial roles in energy metabolism, immune support, and overall health. Incorporating biltong into your diet can help you meet your daily nutritional needs more easily.

Paleo and Keto-Friendly

‍If you follow a paleo or keto diet, biltong can be an ideal snack option. It's free from added sugars and grains, aligning well with these low-carb eating plans. Biltong's protein and fat content also make it a satisfying snack that can help curb cravings.

No Artificial Additives

‍At Crackly's, we take pride in crafting biltong that is free from artificial additives, preservatives, and MSG. This ensures that you're enjoying a wholesome snack without any hidden nasties. It's perfect for those seeking clean, minimally processed food options.

Convenient and Portable

‍Whether you're on a hiking adventure, at the gym, or simply in need of a quick, nutritious snack, biltong is incredibly convenient. Its long shelf life and portability make it a go-to choice for busy individuals and families.

Low in Carbohydrates

‍For those watching their carb intake, biltong is a smart choice. It contains minimal carbohydrates, making it suitable for diabetics and those following low-carb diets.

Conclusion

Biltong isn't just a tasty snack; it's a nutritional goldmine packed with protein, essential nutrients, and health benefits. Whether you're an active athlete or simply someone looking for a satisfying and nutritious snack, biltong deserves a place in your pantry. At Crackly's, we're committed to delivering high-quality biltong that's both delicious and beneficial for your well-being. So, the next time you reach for a snack, consider indulging in the goodness of biltong and enjoy its many health advantages.

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When it comes to dried meat snacks, two heavyweights stand out: biltong and jerky. While both make for delicious, protein-packed treats, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this blog post, we'll unravel the differences between biltong and jerky, helping you understand why biltong aficionados swear by its unique qualities.

Origin and History

Meat Cut and Preparation

Flavor and Texture

Ingredients

Nutritional Profile

Cultural Significance

Conclusion

While biltong and jerky share some similarities as dried meat snacks, their distinct differences in origin, preparation, flavor, and texture make them unique in their own right. Whether you prefer the rich, moist taste of biltong or the chewy, bold flavors of jerky, both offer delicious options for meat enthusiasts. At Crackly's, we take pride in crafting premium biltong that captures the essence of South African tradition. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!

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By now you would have passed by a stall in a market or next to the road with a large handwritten sign reading: "GEELVET BILTONG". But what is it? Why is it yellow? and why all the sudden craze?

Grading Beef

So to get into it, you first need to understand the different types of grade beef there are. We have a page Our Beef that delves into the different cuts and qualities but what we don't mention here is fat colour. Yellow fat is from an older animal, classified as C-Grade, that has the yellow colour due to age.

But is it any good? The short answer is yes. Because it comes from a C-Grade animal, it has the most amount of flavour in both meat and fat. There are however some downsides depending on your preference. The meat is flavourful, yes but can be tough.

Our Theory

Introduction

Our theory here at Crackly's, is that the craze for it came from somewhere else:

If you google "Biltong shop near me" right now, I'm sure you'll find a platter of options to choose from. You may try one of them and come across the unpleasant phenomena of a fat layer forming on the roof or "palate" of your mouth. This is caused by using the wrong fat in biltong or what we refer to as the "bad fat" of the buttock. So why do biltong manufacturers use it? It all comes down to saving cost and minimising waste.

Taking Shortcuts

Manufacturers buy whole sections of meat to get the cuts they need and pay for it per kilogram. So anything they cannot use, increases the cost of their final product if they have to throw it away. Using some of the bad fat allows them to maximize their cost to weight ratio. This tactic is usually applied in wors products as the amounts can be controlled.

Tender vs Flavour

Enter geelvet biltong. Sold as the solution to the fat layer in mouth experience.

The truth is that as long as biltong is manufactured using the "good" or outer fat and not the "bad" or inner fat, there will be no layer.

At Crackly's we purposefully took the A-Grade route because the outcome resulted in a tender product. We also only use the "good", outer fat which can be proved with its translucent properties and not experiencing the fat layer in your mouth. Buy any one of our products and you'll see for yourself.

Rump and Fillet is a perfect example. Rump has loads of flavour but can be tough to chew. Fillet on the other hand has less flavour but tender. Its up to preference.

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Setting the scene

South Africa has a rich history, but one story in particular sets the scene.

The date is 1652 as the Dutch establish a colony on the southwest coast of South Africa now called Cape Town. They arrived with a mere 60 people but rose to around 16,000 by 1795, enslaving South Africans along the way. They were using Cape Town as hub for their slave trade and it is said that a colossal 17,000 South Africans were enslaved during that same period.

It is easily recognizable that our heritage was influenced by Dutch roots and there are many references as well. The "Afrikaans" language is derived from Dutch and therefore sounds similar.

The origins of Biltong

The Dutch voyaged their way to new land and continued to sail as their slave trade business grew. They spent prolonged periods of time at sea and innovated a way to avoid spoiling meat during these trips.

The word biltong is derived from the two Dutch words "Bil" meaning buttock and "tong" meaning something with the same shape as a tongue. Biltong may have originated from Dutch innovation, but was perfected by South Africans. The recipe was improved by marinating the meat in a spiced, vinegar brine and then dried to create biltong we know today.

Biltong is such an integral part of South African cuisine and even though its origins is brutal, we have taken suffering and turned it into a celebrated snack.