What is jerky made of? Ingredients, varieties, and nutrition explained
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5 min read
Dating back to the Incan Empire, jerky—derived from the Quechua word *ch'arki*—was a vital method of preserving meat. This practice, which removes moisture to prevent spoilage, explains **what is jerky made of**: essentially, lean meat, seasonings, and a drying process. Today, this ancient survival food has evolved into a popular high-protein snack, with a variety of ingredients and flavors available for every palate.