Hot Beef Jerky in a Clear Bag With Purple Label

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Despite how long-lasting jerky may seem, it doesn't last forever. Whether you make your own deer jerky or buy it from someone else, there are a few ways you can maximize its freshness. You could seal it away at room temperature or keep it cool in a freezer. When you're ready to eat the jerky, always check it for signs of decay first. Then, you can enjoy a lean, high-protein snack even when you're on the go.

1. 1

   Blot the moisture off of homemade jerky with a paper towel. To help dry the jerky, lay paper towels over a baking sheet or a couple of plates. Spread the meat out in a single layer. Then, use some extra paper towels to finish drying off each piece. Removing the fat and grease helps the jerky to last longer in storage.^[1]

   • When you first take homemade jerky out of the oven, keep it cool on the paper towels for 2 hours. Most of the grease will drain off as the jerky cools.
   • Store-bought deer jerky is already dry, so you won't have to do anything to it. Keep it sealed until you're ready to eat it. If it comes in a resealable bag, keep it in the bag and store it like other jerky.

2. 2

   Pack the jerky into an airtight container. Try using a zippered food storage bag. Put all of the jerky into the bag, then lay it flat on your countertop. Push as much air as possible out before sealing it shut. Label the bag with today's date when you're done.^[2]

   • Glass containers, such as Mason jars, do a good job of sealing in jerky. Use them for shelf or refrigerator storage.
   • You could also use plastic refrigerator or freezer-safe containers, but they tend to retain some air. The jerky could lose its quality a little faster than normal.
   • If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to preserve the jerky for longer than normal. It can last for 1 to 2 months when left out or put into the refrigerator.

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3. 3

   Include an oxygen absorber to preserve the jerky for longer. Toss a single oxygen absorber pad on top of the jerky before sealing it in. Keep it positioned close to the opening of the container. Then, reseal the container. The oxygen absorber will suck in any remaining air in the bag, preventing nasty things like bacteria and mold from growing.^[3]

   • Many grocery stores sell oxygen absorbers, but you can also get them online.
   • Oxygen absorbers cannot be reused. If you wish to keep jerky fresh as long as possible, use a new pad each time.

4. 4

   Select a cool, dark cupboard to store the jerky at room temperature. Try finding a place that stays between 68 and 72 °F (20 and 22 °C). Place the container in the back of a kitchen cupboard, for instance. Cooler areas are usually fine too, as long as you are able to keep the jerky dry. Make sure it isn't placed near any sort of heat or moisture, including from heating vents and air conditioners.^[4]

   • You could also keep the jerky in a closed-off spot, such as your pantry or a closet. However, be mindful of how often you open the door.
   • Another option is to store the jerky on a lower floor of your home, such as in your basement. Keep it away from any windows or damp spots there.
   • If you have a damp basement, try not to store jerky there unless it is well-sealed. If you notice leaks, water spots, moisture, or other signs of water, consider finding another spot.

5. 5

   Store homemade jerky at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. As long as the jerky stays dry, it will last a decent length of time. However, try to eat it as soon as possible while it's at its best. Inspect it for any signs of decay, such as soft spots or discolorations. These spots are signs of bacteria or mold growth, so throw the jerky away.^[5]

   • Pull the jerky out if you notice any moisture forming inside the container. Dry it off, then repackage it. With careful treatment, it may stay fresh for even longer.
   • Store-bought jerky is preserved so that it can last about 1 year before you open it the first time. After opening it, store it like regular jerky to keep it fresh for up to 3 weeks.

6. 6

   Keep homemade jerky in the refrigerator for 2 weeks as an alternative. If you're unable to find a decent storage spot elsewhere, use the refrigerator instead. Store the jerky in a quality container labeled with today's date. After sealing it, move it to a clean, dry spot. Keep in mind that this isn't the best option, and the moisture inside the refrigerator can cause the jerky to spoil faster than usual.^[6]

   • Store-bought jerky can also be stored this way after you first open it. It will usually last for 2 weeks as well.
   • If the jerky has been well-sealed, such as with a vacuum sealer, it may last as long as 3 to 6 months.
   • Once the container has been opened, eat the jerky within a week. Watch it carefully for any signs of decay, including soft or discolored spots.

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1. 1

   Move the jerky into a freezer-safe bag or container. If you made homemade jerky, wait until it is cool and dry first. Then, find a suitable container that will hold the jerky with minimal empty space. Zippered freezer bags work really well. After packing the jerky, press the bag flat to push out the air caught inside.^[7]

   • If you don't have plastic bags, you can use regular storage containers. Try to choose containers that aren't much bigger than the jerky. More space means more room for air, which causes the jerky to spoil faster.
   • Since store-bought jerky is preserved, you don't have to freeze it unless you open the bag. You can keep it in its original bag if the bag is resealable.

2. 2

   Use a vacuum sealer if you wish to store jerky for as long as possible. If you have a vacuum sealer, it is by far the best way to keep jerky fresh. To use one, load the jerky into vacuum bags. Place the bag inside the sealer, then activate it. The machine will suck all the air out of the bag, creating the perfect seal for long-term storage.^[8]

   • Vacuum-sealed deer jerky can be kept on a shelf or in the refrigerator as well. However, it is mostly used for long-term freezing.

3. 3

   Label the jerky with today's date to track its freshness. Use a permanent marker to label the container. Many plastic storage bags have space to write a label, and you can write on vacuum-sealed bags as well. Make sure the date is visible, but be careful not to break the containers open while you're writing!

   • If you make lots of deer jerky throughout the year, label all your containers to keep them organized. Use the oldest jerky before opening newer packs.

4. 4

   Freeze deer jerky to keep it fresh for 6 to 12 months. Clear out a spot in your freezer for the jerky. Make sure nothing in there can break the container's seal. Check the packaging one last time to ensure the jerky is well-sealed before freezing it. While it's in storage, check it occasionally and throw it out when you see white freezer burn spots forming.^[9]

   • The jerky's flavor may change once it has been frozen. You can test this by freezing and thawing a small batch.
   • Vacuum-sealed jerky lasts twice as long as anything packed into regular containers. As long as the vacuum bags stay sealed, the jerky will last the entire 12 months.

5. 5

   Defrost the jerky overnight in the refrigerator before you eat it. Set it on a shelf away from anything that could break the container's seal. Keep it closed until the jerky has finished defrosting. Once the jerky has been opened, it stays fresh for about a week. When you notice it softening or changing color, throw it in the trash.^[10]

   • Unopened jerky can be put back into the freezer. It will usually stay fresh as moisture isn't able to get inside the container.
   • If you open sealed jerky, clear as much air and moisture from the container as possible. Pat the jerky dry with a paper towel before storing it again.

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• If you're storing multiple kinds of jerky, keep them separate so they retain their flavor

• Opened jerky, including store-bought jerky, always expires at a quick rate. Use open jerky right away to avoid having it spoil.

• You do not have to open store-bought deer jerky before storing it. Store-bought jerky lasts for a while in its original packaging, so keep it in your pantry.

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• Old, soft, or discolored jerky isn't safe to eat. Throw it away to avoid illnesses from bacteria and mold.

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Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Zippered food bag or another resealable container
• Permanent marker

• Paper towels
• Freezer-safe container
• Permanent marker
• Vacuum sealer (optional)

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