BASICS
The Vinegar Question: Why It Makes or Breaks Biltong
Vinegar is biltong's quiet workhorse. It protects the meat, builds the tang, and separates real biltong from dried beef. Here's what it does and which vinegar to use.
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LATEST WORK
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COMPARISONS
Biltong vs Droëwors: The Other Great South African Snack
Droëwors is biltong's lesser-known sibling. It is an air-dried sausage with its own rules. Learn what it is, how it differs from biltong, and why South Africans refuse to choose.
BASICS
Biltong as Ride Fuel: When to Eat It (and When Not To)
Biltong is useful endurance food in the right slot. Where protein fits on a long ride, run or hike, why biltong beats most bars, and the one time to leave it in the pocket.
COMPARISONS
Wet vs Dry Biltong: Which Side Are You On?
Wet, medium or dry. Biltong texture is the great divider. Learn what the difference means, how drying time changes flavour, and how to choose the one you'll love.
BASICS
Why Coriander Is the Biltong Spice
One spice defines biltong more than any other: toasted coriander seed. Where the tradition comes from, why it works, and why we'll never make a batch without it.
BASICS
How to Store Biltong (So It Doesn't Go to Waste)
Biltong hates plastic and loves airflow. A quick guide to keeping your biltong at its best. Paper bags, fridges, freezing and the mould question answered.
BASICS
Where to Buy Biltong in the UK: An Honest Buying Guide
A practical guide to comparing what is available in the UK and reading the label.
BASICS
Which Cut of Beef Makes the Best Biltong?
What matters when choosing beef for a first batch, including cut, grain and fat.
BASICS
Is Biltong Actually Healthy? Here's the Honest Answer
A clear look at protein, salt and the claims worth questioning.
PROCESS
How I Make Biltong
A practical account of how I make biltong, from choosing the beef to checking the dry.
COMPARISONS
Biltong vs Jerky: They're Not the Same Thing
A practical comparison of process, ingredients and texture.
BASICS
What Is Biltong? (And Why Most of What You're Buying Isn't Really It)
The basics of curing, drying and what makes biltong different.
ARCHIVED EXPERIMENTS
Earlier Smart Box work. The project is not active, but the notes remain available.
ARCHIVED EXPERIMENT
Cutting holes in IKEA furniture: the fan and heater apertures
A historical build note about marking and cutting the fan and heater openings.
READ THE ARCHIVE → ARCHIVED EXPERIMENTBuilding a biltong box from an IKEA cabinet: why I started
A historical note about why I started building a controlled drying box.
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