Beef jerky help please (dehydrator type)

[Monikieman]

Hi folks.

I've managed banannas, Sharon fruit and apples and made my own onion and garlic powder so I move onto jerky.

I perpared some topside and it's marinaded and it's in the dehydrator at 70 degrees for I think about 8 hrs.

I'm wondering?

1) Do I need to refrigerate after drying or just an air tight poly bag.

2) Is 70 degrees for about 8hrs okay. Strips are pretty thin.

Thanks in advance.

 

[copper_head]

I've made dehydrator jerky a few times now. I find at least with my dehydrator that it takes more than 8 hours. More like 10 or 12 for me (at 70c). I store my finished jerky at room temperature in muslin bags.

 

[Mesquite]

I'm wondering?

1) Do I need to refrigerate after drying or just an air tight poly bag.

2) Is 70 degrees for about 8hrs okay. Strips are pretty thin.

Thanks in advance.

1. My first is current stored in an ice cream tub on the kitchen counter so I can pick at it as I go by

2. I did mine at 70deg for about 9 hours for a dryer finish. Second batch I did for the dogs was about 7-8 hours same temp and that had a slight give to the meat. It seems to be fine and the dogs love it

 

[decorum]

2) Is 70 degrees for about 8hrs okay.

As with all dehydrating, time taken will depend on things like ambient temperature and humidity ~ on cold wet days (or areas) the process can take longer than on warm(er) and dry (drier) days (or areas).

 

[Monikieman]

Cheers folks.

I realised that it was all a bit hocus pocus with times and temps but I'm on the right track it seems

I'm not sure how long it will last at room temperature (especially as I've started eating it out of the dehydrator already!!!)

Thanks

 

[Oldwoodyrock]

A rule of thumb is, if dried hard enough to break when bent, it will keep indefinitely without refrigeration, if it bends without breaking it is best to keep it cool. If you are only making a dehydrator batch, it will be eaten before you can find out if it will keep anyway.
Woody

 

[Monikieman]

Thanks guys. That's it done (well dried anyway).

It snaps so must be pretty dry, (10 hrs) and your right, it's not lasting long enough to go off!