Biltong has long been recognized in South Africa as the perfect complement to arduous hunting trips, mountaineering expeditions and sitting down to a game of rugby. With a growing number of expat communities around the world, biltong, a dried cured meat, has traveled the world and is gaining popularity among other cultures. Probably because it’s just delicious. In terms of health and convenience for those with an active lifestyle, biltong has some considerable advantages. Easy to store, lightweight, packed with nutrients and protein, it’s perfect for long rides that require energy and stamina. In terms of being a healthy option, biltong makes a great low-fat snack and is versatile enough to be used as a base for soups and stews. When it comes to choosing between game and beef versions of biltong, it’s often a matter of taste. Game biltong is common in South Africa, where indigenous species such as the kudu, gazelle or even the ostrich have lent their services to create a delicious and healthy meal.
Nutritionally, both versions are an excellent source of protein. Fat levels in the meat are affected by the cut, although wild game is almost always lower in fat than the beef version, whether it’s biltong or other meat products. Typical values for protein, fat, and calorie content for these competing animals are shown below.
• Beef biltong: Probably the best-known biltong outside of South Africa, it provides, per 25-gram serving, 60 calories, with 1.3 grams of fat and 11.5 grams of protein.
• Games; Springbok Less well known to non-South Africans, the Springbok is an extremely successful species of antelope, successful in the sense that it has one of the largest growing populations despite being very tasty. Every 25 grams of this variety contains 58.5 calories, with 0.2 g of fat and 13.3 g of protein.
• ostrich; Classified as game, but more commonly obtained from farm birds, this variety also offers a healthy option, were it not for the farmer trying to catch it. It provides 57.3 calories with just 0.6 g of fat and 12.2 g of protein.
It certainly seems like the game varieties of biltong stand out among the weight and health conscious, though beef is still a good choice compared to most other snack options. Since Kudu, Springbok and Ostrich are less readily available in the UK, other versions of the biltong game are available.
Venison is the most common game version of biltong favored by expats and converts alike. This, like South African game biltong, is considered leaner and contains less fat than beef, though the lead content may be higher, go figure.
Ultimately, biltong is an extremely healthy, adaptable, wholesome base for a meal. Although it can be used as a base for soups or stews, it is an ideal high-protein, low-fat energy source for those involved in active outdoor sports such as running, mountain climbing, cycling, and athletics. The choice between beef or game versions is largely personal, and whichever you choose, you’ll find it more satisfying than a dusty old cereal bar and healthier than a packet of potato chips!