A Saffa's Guide To Storing Biltong in the UK: Keep It Fresh, Tasty and Mould-Free

There is nothing quite like a lekker piece of biltong. Rich, savoury flavour, a satisfying texture and just the right amount of moisture. But how you store your biltong can make a significant difference to how it tastes, how long it lasts and how enjoyable it is when you finally tuck in.

Biltong is a traditional South African dried and cured meat, but that doesn't mean it lasts forever. And here in the UK, where humidity and changing temperatures can complicate storage, taking a little extra care is worthwhile. If you think about it, your storage methods back in South Africa would also differ based on the region. In provinces like the Free State and Gauteng, you can leave it out for longer, but in the Cape or KZN, the humidity and moisture impact the quality of the biltong when left outside. 

The good news? Storing biltong properly is very straightforward. It comes down to understanding moisture, airflow, temperature and packaging.

Let's look at the best ways to store your biltong, not just to extend its shelf life, but to keep it tasting as good as possible.

Why Does Proper Biltong Storage Matter?

Biltong is preserved through a combination of salting, seasoning, vinegar and drying. This process reduces the moisture available for microorganisms to grow, helping suitable products remain shelf-stable without refrigeration.

However, the type of biltong also influences the storage approach, e.g. venison vs beef biltong. 

Some people prefer their biltong dry and firm, characteristic of venison biltong, while others enjoy it soft, tender and slightly moist in the centre - a trademark of high-quality beef biltong. These differences affect how the product should be stored.

In fact, research published in Meat Science found significant differences in moisture content and water activity between dry and moist varieties of biltong.

The wetter the biltong, the more carefully it needs to be stored.

There's also a distinction between keeping biltong safe to eat and maintaining its eating quality.

Even correctly stored biltong can gradually become drier, tougher or less aromatic over time. So the best storage method is one that protects both food safety and flavour.

How Should You Store Biltong in the UK?

The best storage method depends on whether the packaging has been opened, how moist the biltong is and how soon you intend to eat it.

For unopened, shelf-stable biltong, the simplest approach is usually to leave it in its original packaging and store it somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight, provided that matches the instructions on the packet.

Once opened, things change.

Exposure to air, handling and moisture can affect both freshness and shelf life.

For opened biltong, three common storage options are:

• Paper bags: Suitable for allowing airflow around certain types of biltong kept in cool, dry conditions. Biltong tends to sweat in plastic bags once the bag is opened. 

• Refrigeration: Useful for products that require chilling or when the manufacturer's instructions recommend it.

• Freezing: A practical option for keeping larger quantities in portions for longer-term enjoyment, where the product is suitable for freezing. I like to freeze my biltong in batches. You can take out the quantity you want to eat, let it thaw to room temperature, and it tastes as fresh as a newly opened bag. 

How to Store Unopened Biltong

Unopened biltong is generally the easiest to store.

If the product is labelled as shelf-stable, leave it in its original sealed packaging and follow the stated storage conditions.

A kitchen cupboard or pantry away from heat and direct sunlight is often suitable.

Avoid placing unopened packs near ovens, radiators or windows where temperatures can fluctuate.

Most importantly, check the packaging for the best-before date and any specific refrigeration requirements.

Does Biltong Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, not all biltong needs to be refrigerated.

Properly prepared and packaged shelf-stable biltong is designed to be stored at room temperature under appropriate conditions. If you think about it, biltong has been made for hundreds of years. It was popular with early settlers due to its long shelf life. However, I would advise that you still refrigerate wetter varieties or products with specific chilling requirements if you’re not going to freeze it. 

The challenge with refrigeration is managing moisture.

When cold biltong is repeatedly removed from the fridge and exposed to warmer air, condensation can develop. This additional surface moisture is undesirable, particularly when storing meat for further consumption.

If refrigeration is recommended, keep the biltong appropriately packaged, follow its after-opening instructions and avoid unnecessary temperature changes.

For those who prefer soft, moist biltong, it's particularly important to follow the manufacturer's guidance rather than assuming traditional room-temperature storage will always be suitable.

Can You Freeze Biltong?

Yes, many types of biltong can be frozen, and freezing can be particularly useful for people who purchase larger quantities.

In fact, this is my personal preference.

I enjoy having biltong available whenever I fancy some, but I don't necessarily want to eat an entire 500 g or 1 kg bag within a few days.

Instead, I divide my biltong into smaller, airtight portions and freeze them. When I want some, I take out a portion, allow it to thaw properly and enjoy it.

For me, this is a convenient way to keep biltong available without constantly exposing the entire batch to air and moisture.

There are also some practical advantages:

• Portion control: Only remove the amount you intend to eat.

• Less waste: The remaining biltong stays frozen rather than sitting in an opened bag.

• Flavour preservation: Freezing can slow the changes responsible for flavour deterioration.

• Texture preservation: Correctly packaged biltong can retain its eating quality better than biltong left drying out for extended periods.

Freezing isn't a substitute for safe food handling, and not every product will respond identically. Still, for suitable biltong, it is a useful option worth considering.

How to Freeze Biltong Without Ruining the Taste

To get the best results, use the following method:

1. Divide the biltong into portions. Choose amounts you're likely to consume in one sitting or over a short period.

2. Use airtight, freezer-safe packaging. Vacuum sealing is ideal, but a good-quality freezer bag with excess air removed also works. This will also reduce the chance of freezer burn. 

3. Freeze while fresh. Don't wait until the biltong has started deteriorating.

4. Thaw in the refrigerator. Keep the portion sealed while defrosting to help prevent condensation settling directly on the meat.

5. Enjoy once thawed. Open the packaging, check for unwanted moisture and follow the product's after-opening storage instructions.

If you prefer your biltong closer to room temperature, you can allow the fully thawed portion to warm slightly before eating, without leaving it unrefrigerated for extended periods. This is especially recommended if you have some fat or marbling present, as this is where the flavour lies, apart from the spices of course. The closer it is to room temperature, the better the taste. 

One important tip: Avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the same portion. Apart from food-handling considerations, repeated temperature changes can affect texture and eating quality.

For people who love buying biltong in bulk, freezing small portions can be one of the most convenient ways to enjoy it over time.

Should You Store Biltong in a Paper Bag or Airtight Container?

This is one of the most common questions about biltong storage, and the answer depends on what you're trying to achieve.

Paper bags allow airflow. This helps moisture escape rather than becoming trapped around the meat.

For certain opened, relatively dry biltong products, a clean paper bag can be useful for short-term storage in a cool, dry environment.

However, biltong stored this way may continue drying, gradually becoming firmer and chewier.

That might be exactly what you want if you prefer dry biltong. But it isn't ideal for everyone.

Airtight packaging limits exposure to air, helping protect against drying and flavour deterioration. It is particularly useful for properly prepared biltong intended for freezing.

However, sealing moist, opened biltong in an ordinary airtight container and leaving it at room temperature can trap moisture and increase spoilage risks.

That's the important distinction:

Airtight packaging can be excellent for freezing, but it isn't automatically suitable for opened biltong stored in the cupboard.

How Long Does Biltong Last?

Biltong's shelf life depends on its moisture content, preparation, packaging and storage conditions.

There is no single storage period that applies to every variety.

Unopened biltong should be kept according to the manufacturer's instructions and the date printed on the packaging.

Opened biltong generally has a shorter recommended storage period because the protective packaging has been disturbed.

Some UK biltong suppliers recommend consuming opened sliced biltong within approximately three days. Other products may have different instructions depending on their preparation and packaging.

The distinction between best-before and use-by dates also matters.

According to the UK Food Standards Agency, best-before dates relate primarily to food quality, whereas use-by dates concern food safety.

Always follow any instructions specifying how quickly the product should be consumed after opening, regardless of the original date on the packaging.

Freezing may help preserve suitable biltong for longer, but it does not reset an expired use-by date or make spoiled biltong safe.

How to Prevent Biltong From Going Mouldy

Mould is one of the biggest concerns when storing biltong, particularly in humid conditions and if it’s wetter biltong.

Although drying and spices help preserve biltong, some moulds can still grow when conditions allow.

To reduce the risk:

• Control moisture: Avoid trapping excess moisture around opened biltong.

• Follow storage instructions: Different products have different moisture levels and storage requirements.

• Use clean hands and utensils: Reduce the introduction of contaminants when serving.

• Avoid warm, damp areas: Keep suitable ambient-stored biltong away from steam, direct sunlight and heat.

• Keep portions separate: Opening only what you plan to eat reduces unnecessary handling and exposure.

• Avoid condensation: Take care when transferring biltong between cold and warm environments.

If you notice suspicious fuzzy growth, discolouration or an unusual smell, don't taste the biltong to investigate.

If biltong develops mould, discard it. Cutting away the visible mould does not guarantee the remaining meat is safe.

What's the Best Way to Store Biltong for Taste?

When it comes to flavour and texture, there isn't one perfect storage method for everybody.

Some biltong lovers prefer firm, dry pieces that require a proper chew. Others prefer softer cuts with a little more moisture.

And the way you store your biltong can influence those characteristics.

At The Savanna, we believe good storage should preserve the eating experience, not simply extend the time before a product is discarded.

For biltong you intend to eat immediately, keeping it fresh and avoiding unnecessary exposure to heat and humidity is generally enough.

For suitable opened biltong eaten over a short period, appropriate breathable storage can be useful, provided the product's instructions allow it.

And for larger quantities, I personally prefer freezing individual portions. It allows me to enjoy biltong when I want it without leaving the entire batch exposed to changing conditions.

Ultimately, the best method depends on how you like your biltong and when you plan to eat it.

Store Your Biltong the Way You Enjoy It

Biltong is meant to be enjoyed, and good storage helps preserve what makes it special.

Controlling moisture, temperature and exposure to air makes a difference.

For unopened packs, follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. For opened biltong, pay attention to moisture and after-opening guidance. And if you enjoy buying larger quantities, consider freezing suitable biltong in smaller portions.

It's a method I personally enjoy because it combines convenience with the ability to preserve the flavour and texture I love.

After all, the goal isn't just to make your biltong last longer. It's to make every bite as enjoyable as the first.

Looking to stock up? Explore our range of South African biltong and discover your next favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Store Biltong at Room Temperature?

Yes, commercially prepared biltong that is labelled shelf-stable can be stored at room temperature under the manufacturer's specified conditions. Once opened, the product may require different storage, so always check its instructions.

Can You Freeze Sliced Biltong?

Yes, sliced biltong can be frozen if the product is suitable for freezing. Dividing it into smaller airtight portions makes it easier to remove only what you need while keeping the remaining portions frozen.

How Long Does Biltong Take to Defrost?

Small portions of sliced biltong generally thaw faster than thick, whole pieces. The exact time depends on portion size and packaging, so allow it to thaw completely in the fridge rather than relying on a fixed timeframe.

Can You Eat Biltong Straight From the Fridge?

Yes, provided it has been stored safely and remains within its recommended consumption period. Some people prefer allowing it to lose a little of its chill before eating, as this can make the flavour and texture more enjoyable.

Why Has My Biltong Gone Hard?

Biltong can become harder as it loses moisture. This is particularly noticeable when sliced biltong is exposed to air for prolonged periods. While some people enjoy this firmer texture, others prefer storing suitable portions in the freezer to help maintain their preferred consistency.

How Do You Know If Biltong Has Gone Bad?

Visible mould, unusual discolouration, slime or an unpleasant smell can indicate spoilage. However, harmful microorganisms aren't always detectable by sight or smell, so always follow the product's use-by date and storage instructions rather than relying on appearance alone.

Is It Better to Buy Whole or Sliced Biltong?

Whole and sliced biltong offer different advantages. Whole pieces have less exposed cut surface and allow you to slice them to your preferred thickness, while sliced biltong is more convenient for immediate snacking. Storage requirements still depend on the product's moisture content and packaging.