I know Tools in Action is geared towards a tool publication, but you know what sometimes we have to be out of the box. I have really been into making jerky lately and have learned a lot about jerky from the Crew. So I figured what better way to draw up more knowledge than talking jerky. Seriously who doesn’t like jerky and dehydrating their own meats? Also, I have had a lot of people ask about what seasoning I have been using. So I just wanted to do a quick post about the seasoning I have been using and also get your feedback about other options available.
I have a Cabela’s close to me and since it’s an awesome store, I went there for my jerky needs. They have their own brand, but I bought a variety pack produced by Hi Mountain. The pack costs about $15 and is enough for 20 lbs of meat. You get 5 flavor packs, 1 cure packet and a shaker. Personally I didn’t use the shaker because it doesn’t come with a cap. For the flavors you get the following items:
- Original
- Mesquite
- Hickory
- Cracked Pepper n’ Garlic
- Cajun Blend
I have to say all five flavors are pretty good. I wasn’t too up on the taste of the original, but after a while it did grow on me. The mesquite and hickory were my favorites. I put a post up on Facebook and Conrad was doing jerky at the same time. I ended up talking to him on Periscope and he did something I never thought about doing. He mixed two flavors together, I believe it was Hickory and Original. I will have to try this since Original was my least favorite.
The directions are easy to follow as they have directions for Whole Muscle Meat and Ground Meat. While they give you how much flavor and curing you need per pound, I tend to add a little more flavoring to each batch.
All in all this is a pretty good variety pack and I will buy it again. Let me know your favorite seasoning as I am always wanting to try new things.
#TIA and jerky!
I’m coming over
It is my favorite jerky season! I have tried a few over the past 10 years I have been making it. If you don’t have a dehydrator I highly recommend Nesco. The heating element is on top so there is nothing dripping on it to cause smoke. Easier to clean too. Mine is still going strong after 10 years.
Hi Mountain jerky seasons is the only brand I buy. Always turns out delicious.
I love me some jerky!
I will be sending you some Tommy’s Jerky soon – what flavors do you like? Check out their site and let me know, I am “preferred” customer so I get a good deal. Also, if your brave they have some exotic meats like Elk and Kangaroo. My favorites are Black Pepper, Inferno, Sneaky Pete, and Hot Hickory. They also have a in-store special that is a “grab” bag that contains a little of every flavor all mixed together, it comes in Hot and Mild.
-Steven
Gotta love jerky.
While I like jerky as much as the next guy, I thought I’d put a plug in to remind folks to get to a gastroenterologist at some point (sooner, rather than later) to have a colonoscopy. Yeah, it’s not pleasant to think about, but developing colon cancer is so much worse. It’s a silent disease and can cut your life short by decades, leaving your kids without a dad. Nobody wants that.
I had the procedure back in 2011 and the doctor removed two (thankfully) benign polyps. Left untreated, they probably would have developed into colon cancer. I was back in for the follow-up procedure today, and the doctor found another three polyps, also removed. Apparently, I have a tendency to develop these, so it was good that I had it done again. Think of your wife and kids and go make the appointment to have one done. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
4.5
I have got to try this suff, it looks great. You guys at tools in action always keep me busy buying things.
I have used there Crack Pepper and Garlic summer sausage for years. Making 30 lb batches at a time. Last 2 years everything has changed. when mixing up everything, It used to turn the meat a darker color. and now its light, and taste like it very Bland ! Like not enough Seasoning. Have you had any of these problems. They wont talk with me when I called and complained.They always say we havent changed anything!!! BS.. I make over 200 lbs a year and give away. always make the same. They said they never changed. but I told them , maybe where you get there seasoning has. but they Get nasty at me. I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYMORE. STAY AWAY. not saying jerky mix or others. All I can promise Crack Pepper & Garlic Summer Sausage i not right any more. Cant afford to waste my time making it anymore….
I haven’t used the Crack Pepper so not sure. But if they aren’t helping you or getting nasty with you, I agree, I wouldn’t spend my money with them if that is how they act.