The Origins of Biltong
Biltong begins with the indigenous Khoisan people. The nomadic Khoisan tribes struggled to keep their meat easily available while also preserving it from spoiling. This, of course, was in an era long before modern refrigeration and food preparation was even a thought.
While there was plentiful game to hunt for (such as antelope, wildebeest, and ostrich), carrying these large animals between camps proved to be quite the hurdle! Not to mention the challenge of getting the most out of the meat before it spoiled in the harsh African sun. Solutions to both of these issues became necessary for survival.
The answer to the large game issue was simple enough: just make it smaller! Cutting the animals into lean strips made them easier to carry and distribute among the tribe. Everyone was able to share the load as they traversed from camp to camp.
As for the harsh climate? It turned out to be the solution to its own problem. Salting these lean strips of game and hanging them in the hot and arid weather would dry these strips out. This helped to “cook” the meat, which removed excess moisture and prevented the meat from spoiling.
These dried and salted strips of meat became a staple of these communities. They now had convenient access to a high protein snack that sustained them throughout their lengthy travels. These meat strips could be enjoyed anytime, regardless of season, weather, terrain, or available game.
Each generation of Khosian would pass down the “meat strip” recipe to their children. Soon, it was an integral aspect of these nomadic societies. In fact, it was common to see meat of all sorts hanging throughout the village, drying in the midday sun.
The Dutch’s Influence on Biltong
It was so much of a normal sight that even the settlers arriving in the 17th century took notice. The Dutch were so smitten by these dried meat strips that they quickly learned the methods to create their own. Soon, this snack became just as popular in Dutch settlements as it was in indigenous villages.
Folklore even suggests that the Dutch produced their own technique for salting the strips as they first explored the continent. According to legend, the Dutch would place the meat strips under the saddles of their horses. The horses’ naturally salty sweat was then soaked up by the meat, before being hung out to dry.
The “horse sweat” story may be a tall tale. However, a truth we do know is that the Dutch are responsible for giving the “biltong” name to this snack. The word “biltong” is a combination of two Dutch words that the evolving Afrikaans language adopted as their own: “Bil” (meaning buttock, in this case describing the leanness of the meat) and “tong” (meaning tongue, describing the shape of the strip.)
Alongside the name, the Dutch explorers also introduced new spices and ingredients into the biltong recipe. The addition of vinegar, pepper, coriander, and cloves, among other spices, assisted in adding new depth and complexity to its flavor. With this added depth, the popularity of biltong continued to spread throughout the country.
The introduction of beef may be the Dutch’s most lasting influence on biltong. As the Dutch established farms throughout the country, they also brought along their cattle to breed and to trade with the local tribes. It wasn’t long before Beef replaced the traditional African game meats as the most popular form of biltong.
Biltong’s Lasting Legacy
Even in modern times, biltong is still a favorite South African treat. It remains a staple of community gatherings, sporting events, and family meals throughout the country. South Africans have also introduced biltong to food lovers worldwide, helping it become embraced internationally,
Today, biltong’s made with the finest beef, most flavorful spices, and familial care, a tradition that started centuries ago with the wandering Khoisan people. Whether enjoyed on its own, or alongside other delicious treats such as pizza, nachos, or macaroni and cheese, the highly flavorful taste of biltong is a high protein snack and a centuries-old tradition that all can enjoy.