Canterbury Biltong

CANTERBURY BILTONG

We began Canterbury Biltong by mistake – really.  David, the company’s founder and director, just wanted some decent biltong which, in 2002, was relatively unobtainable in New Zealand. Sure, there was biltong, but it was pretty average stuff. A friend had taught him an old family recipe when he was at his farm, and he had used it many times to transform kudu, bushbuck, and wildebeest into the stupendous meaty snack that is biltong.

It was time to dust off his old dryer, which had travelled from South Africa to New Zealand. After a couple of batches, he found that his Kiwi friends, who had never tried it, loved the stuff, and a glimmer of an idea was formed. David and Nicole took a large batch of cut-up plugs of biltong down to the Hokitika Wild Foods Festival. A communications error had the product down as dried bulls’ balls on the programme. People loved it. They stood back and gave it a good once over before stepping forward to try it. Word spread, and “bulls’ balls” became a thing.

Canterbury Biltong was formed and grew from farmers markets and shows back in the early 2000’s to currently supplying thousands of grocers, supermarkets, service stations, and duty free and tourist stores in more than 11 countries and growing all the time.

“Each new store or supermarket chain gives us a rush, says David, but our favourite store was our first one – Fresh Choice Merivale in Christchurch.”

“We couldn’t believe we had got something we had created into a supermarket.”

Canterbury Biltong products have been taken all the way up Everest and down to the Antarctic, tramped the New Zealand great walks and sailed the high seas; they are stuffed into gym bags and kids lunchboxes, hang out on long road trips and grace lavish cheese boards.  They are your go to high protein, great tasting, guilt free snack.

Hey there, snack enthusiasts! Ever wondered what makes biltong such a beloved treat? Biltong is a South African classic that’s gaining popularity for all the right reasons. Let’s unravel the mystery and explore what makes biltong a must-have snack.

Origins: A Taste of History

Biltong traces its origins back to South Africa, where it was ingeniously crafted by the Boers as a way to preserve meat during long journeys across the African plains. The name itself – derived from Dutch words meaning “buttock” and “strip”- hints at its humble beginnings. Picture tender strips of premium beef, marinated to perfection and air-dried to create a snack that’s as rich in history as it is in flavour.

The Making of Biltong: A Labour of Love

At Canterbury Biltong, we take pride in crafting biltong the traditional way. It all starts with selecting the finest cuts of export grade grass fed beef – because quality is paramount. Our secret marinade blends vinegar with a medley of spices, including coriander, pepper and a pinch of salt. This unique marinade not only enhances the flavour but also tenderises the meat, ensuring every bite is a burst of savoury goodness.

Once marinated, the beef is air-dried to perfection. This slow-drying process allows the flavours to intensify while preserving the natural tenderness of the meat. The result? A snack that’s not just satisfying but downright addictive.

Flavour Explosion: Why Biltong?

What sets biltong apart from other dried meats like jerky? It’s all about the texture and taste. Unlike jerky, which is often chewy and thinly sliced, biltong boasts a tender yet substantial texture. Each bite offers a complex flavour profile that’s both robust and nuanced – perfect for those who appreciate depth in their snacks.

High in Protein: The Power Snack

Looking to fuel your adventures? Canterbury Biltong is packed with protein, making it the ideal snack for active lifestyles. Whether you’re hiking the trails, powering through a workday, on an exclusive carnivore diet or simply craving a protein-packed pick-me-up, Canterbury Biltong delivers. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies hunger and supports muscle recovery – perfect for anyone looking to snack smarter.

Try Canterbury Biltong Today!

Ready to elevate your snacking game? Treat yourself to Canterbury Biltong and discover why it’s the snack of choice for discerning palates worldwide. Savour the rich flavours, indulge in the tender texture, and experience a taste that’s rooted in tradition yet crafted for modern enjoyment.

Grab a pack of Canterbury Biltong today and embark on a flavour-filled journey that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Your taste buds will thank you!

Get Snacking!

The Great Dried Meat Debate

Welcome to the ultimate showdown between two titans of the dried meat world: Jerky and Biltong. It’s like Batman vs. Superman, but with less spandex and more deliciousness. Let’s dive into this meaty duel and discover what sets them apart, and why you should definitely get your hands on some Canterbury Biltong and Bootleg Jerky.

Origins: Where It All Began

Jerky hails from North America, where it was initially made by indigenous people who needed a way to preserve meat during long hunts. Fast forward to today, and it’s a staple snack for road trips, hiking adventures, and late-night munchies.

Biltong, on the other hand, comes from South Africa. The word “biltong” derives from the Dutch words “bil” (buttock) and “tong” (strip or tongue). The pioneers (Boers) needed a way to preserve meat during their treks across the wild African plains. Thus, biltong was born – a snack so revered it could make a lion jealous.

The Meat: It’s All About the Cut

When it comes to jerky, thin is in. Our Bootleg Jerky is made from premium export grade grass fed beef, marinated before drying and then sliced into thin slices. It’s the runway model of dried meats – always sleek and stylish.

Biltong prefers a more robust approach. Canterbury Biltong uses thick cuts of premium export grade grass fed beef, which is marinated and air-dried. It’s like the hearty, beefy cousin of jerky, with a little more meat on its bones. Picture a rugby player next to a marathon runner. Both impressive, just built differently.

Preparation: The Secret Sauce

Jerky gets its flavour from a marinade which includes brown sugar, onion, salt and a variety of spices. The meat is then dried, giving it that classic chewy texture.

Biltong enjoys a more leisurely process. The beef is marinated in vinegar and spices like coriander, pepper, and salt. It’s then air-dried, resulting in a tender, flavourful snack that’s less chewy.

Flavour Profiles: A Taste Adventure

Bootleg Jerky offers a variety of bold flavours, from Manukayaki, to our spicy Hot Shot. Each bite is a punch of flavour that wakes up your taste buds faster than a triple shot of espresso.

Canterbury Biltong prides itself on rich, natural flavours. The marination process allows the meat to absorb the spices deeply, giving you a taste that’s both savoury and subtly spiced. It’s like jazz for your mouth – complex, smooth and totally satisfying.

The Verdict: Why Not Both?

In the great jerky vs. biltong debate, the winner is… everyone! Both jerky and biltong offer unique and delicious snacking experiences. If you’re in the mood for something chewy and intense, Bootleg Jerky is your go-to. If you prefer something tender and rich in flavour, Canterbury Biltong will hit the spot.

So, whether you’re a jerky junkie or a biltong buff, there’s no need to choose sides. Embrace the diversity of dried meats and enjoy the best of both worlds. After all, life is too short for boring snacks.

Get Snacking!

Ready to embark on your own taste adventure? Grab some Canterbury Biltong and Bootleg Jerky today, and let your taste buds be the judge. Happy snacking, meat lovers!

We are proud to export our products into five Middle Eastern countries with our Halal beef products.  All our products (except venison) are certified Halal.

We are fully certified by the NZIDT (New Zealand Islamic Development Trust).

What is Halal?

 The term ‘Halal’ translates to ‘permitted’ or ‘lawful.’ For food to be deemed Halal, it must comply with Islamic law as outlined in the Qur’an.

Key requirements include:

• The food must not contain any items considered unlawful (Haram) under Islamic law.
• It must be prepared, processed, transported, and stored using equipment and methods that are free from anything unlawful according to Islamic law.
• It must not come into direct contact with other foods that do not meet these Halal standards.

Q: Are your products Halal?
A:  All our products are Halal except the wild venison.

Q: What sets your product apart from other Halal snacks?
A: Our commitment to quality, authenticity, and Halal compliance makes our biltong, biersticks and jerky the preferred choice for discerning snackers.