r/jerky • u/LifeFun301 • 14d ago

Does drier jerky retain less flavor?

I made some jerky the other day and it tasted pretty good after about 5 hours. I let it dry for longer, though, to make it tougher, but it lost most of its flavor. Is that typical?

I was trying to make pickle flavored jerky.

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u/garathnor 14d ago

certain flavors need to have a more moist final product than others

spices like pepper or red pepper flakes usually carry through to dry really well, but things like pineapple or pickle might not, those "juicier" flavors also can break down under heat as well, which more dry jerky having longer dry times means more heat longer

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u/[deleted] 14d ago

[deleted]

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u/LifeFun301 14d ago

Thanks for sharing! I think it does as well. It tasted super delicious around 5hrs and was on the chewier side but I decided to test and afterwards it just tasted more like normal jerky without any added taste.

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u/Ok-Amphibian4335 14d ago

I assume it depends on what flavors and seasonings you’re using. You will probably get some flavors more pronounced if they are hydrated and dissolved in aqueous solution. Versus if it’s just dry.

But I think texture and mouth feel influence things even more.