Long before fridges, the indigenous people of Southern Africa had to figure out how to keep their meat fresh under the relentless sun. Their solution? Slice it, cure it with salt, and let it dry out in the open air.

When Dutch settlers arrived in the 17th century, they picked up this simple yet genius preservation method. They added vinegar, spices, and saltpetre to the mix, tweaking the recipe to create something even tastier. And so biltong was born.

Over time, biltong turned into a South African staple, passed down through generations and made from a variety of meats like beef, game, and ostrich. Today, it’s not only beloved in South Africa; the world savours its rich flavour and high-protein goodness.