Biltong Storage

Biltong Canada products are packaged in high barrier 3 layer food grade SUP (stand up pouch) and vacuum bags. Oxygen absorbers sachets are added to enclosed packaging to help remove or decrease the level of oxygen in the package. We pack our biltong at, or below the VIHA required low water activity (Aw) level, and with the addition vinegar in our recipe we lower the pH to make our product shelf stable without the use of Sodium Nitrite. Our pouches are also double sealed during packaging and have a zip closure to reseal after opening for your convenience.

Storage guidelines for packaged biltong

Biltong packaged in the High Barrier SUP as described above can be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight for 3 - 4 months unrefrigerated. We however label with a BB date of 2 months, to ensure our biltong is eaten at its best. We are small batch producer, so that ensures we have a high turnover of fresh Biltong all the time.

• Once opened, it is advisable to consume the biltong within 3-4 days, always ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling the biltong, which could introduce mould when resealed. 
• If left open in the pouch, or in brown paper bag biltong will continue to dry out, over time, getting a little harder. It very rarely lasts that long anyway, you'll normally consume the whole pack long before that.
• For the whole biltong sticks, If you don’t plan to eat it as soon as you receive it, it can be frozen very successfully until required. When opening the vacuum sealed inner pouch, wrap the uneaten portion in the brown paper bag and store in a cool dry place. Always ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling the biltong stick as that could introduce mould from the environment. 

More Biltong Storage guidelines - 

Biltong stored under the right conditions in paper bag ie dry, cool, room temperature will last for weeks, it will continue to dry out as the moisture continues to wick away. 

• NEVER store biltong in a sealed plastic bag or closed container as it is "unable to breathe" and will "sweat" and could develop mold introduced from the environment).
• It should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated space, preferably in a breathable bag (e.g. brown bag).
• For long-term storage, biltong can be very successfully frozen.  Biltong vacuum sealed and frozen will last for months and when defrosted will have very similar eating qualities to when you froze it. Do not vacuum pack and freeze sliced biltong as it will "clump together" and become a solid oily mass when defrosted. Sliced biltong can be frozen loosely in a brown paper bag

We hope this helps you understand the storage of your biltong better and clears up any misconceptions.

Regards Paul