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One of our biggest fears is that of missing out. You’ve probably heard about those lists of movies you MUST see before you die. And, those with songs you simply have to listen to before you kick the bucket. The same goes for books to read, places to see, mountains to climb, and caves to explore.
The truth is that life is too short and too beautiful to reduce it to a pressing checklist of activities. You might watch all those movies, read all those books, climb all those mountains, and so on. Still, it’s unlikely that you will also enjoy all of them.
We know only one list of things you shouldn’t miss out on, and it includes the most exotic types of jerky on Earth. You don’t HAVE TO eat them all before you die but, if you do, you will most likely enjoy all of them.
1. Kangaroo Jerky
If you only had beef jerky so far, jumping straight to kangaroo jerky is like going from peanuts to macadamia nuts.
Kangaroo jerky is has a rich, gamey flavor and a sweet aftertaste. Also, it is tender and smooth. So, even children and old people can chew on it easily.
When you think about it, kangaroo meat is ideal for making jerky out of it. The animal hops and jumps all day long. It is more active than cattle, so its meat should be leaner and more fibrous.
Unfortunately, the only problem with kangaroo jerky is that you can rarely find it outside Australia. So, on your next trip to the Land Down Under, remember to bring an extra bag just for this tasty cured meat.
2. Ostrich Jerky
Ostrich meat is rich in protein and iron. Some say it tastes better than beef or any other bird meat. Because it’s lean and tasty, it is on the expensive side with gourmet delicacies on menus around the world.
There are many ways to prepare ostrich, and jerky is among the top ones. The drying process takes all the meat out of the meat. Still, it keeps its powerful flavors and highly nourishing properties.
The best part about this exotic jerky is that even people who don’t tolerate red meat that well can consume it.
3. Alligator Jerky
Most people seeing an alligator would run for cover. However, someone brave enough out there sees the opportunity to make some exotic jerky.
Fortunately, someone did it a very long time ago. We don’t know who, but thanks to them, we can enjoy one of the cured meats with the highest protein levels.
Alligator jerky packs more proteins than beef jerky, and it even has fewer calories. Also, it has a rich taste and a tender texture. So, why isn’t we all eat alligator jerky for breakfast?
Well, catching these man-eating reptiles is not that easy. Secondly, you need plenty of alligator meat to upgrade alligator jerky from exotic cured meat to affordable deli cuts.
4. Buffalo Jerky
Buffalo or Bison jerky may not sound too exotic to many. For one, it is more available than other types of jerky on this list. However, we added it here because it is one of the oldest kinds of cured meat in North America. The Native Americans used to cure lean cuts of buffalo meat and preserve it for later consumption.
One of the best benefits of buffalo jerky is that it comes from natural meat. The animals have not been raised with growth hormones or steroids. Lastly, bison jerky is rich in proteins and has fewer calories than beef jerky.
5. Alpaca Jerky
While the Natives in North America made jerky out of buffalo meat, the ones south of present-day Mexico chose to cure alpaca meat.
Alpaca jerky is one of the most popular types of exotic jerky. Firstly, it is low in cholesterol and fat. So, people with diabetes and weight conditions can consume it without too many risks. Secondly, it has lower sodium than other cured meats. So, it is a must-try for those who prefer sweet jerky to salty or spicy varieties.
6. Camel Jerky
If you ever travel to the Middle East, you must have a bite of the local camel jerky. This rare delicacy is a wild-tasting snack and quite different in taste from the more common beef jerky.
Camel jerky is tender and a bit moist. It tastes sweet but it leaves a smoky aftertaste. More so, it goes great with dried figs and cured sheep cheese. If they are on hand, mix them together to create an oriental charcuterie board.
7. Snake Jerky
When you see a snake, the last image that comes to your mind is a salty, cured slice of its meat. We feel the same way. However, snake jerky is one of the most common types of jerky in Southeast Asia. It is exotic for the rest of the world, but there is a common ingredient in soups and rice.
The most common types of snake jerky come from pythons and rattlesnakes. Their flavors are similar to turkey jerky but with a more intense aftertaste.
8. Shark Jerky
If you thought that all types of exotic jerky come from land animals, think again. One of them comes from one of the biggest threats to surfers and swimmers worldwide, sharks.
Shark jerky is a bit more difficult to prepare since you need plenty of meat from hammerhead or mako sharks. However, the result is delicious and unforgettable. This type of exotic cured meat has a similar taste and texture to a beefsteak you have broiled in fish oil.
9. Elk Jerky
One of the tastiest types of exotic jerky is made of elk meat. Elks have strong, fibrous muscles that are ideal for curing. Following dehydration, the meat is equal to or better than premium beef jerky.
Usually, artisans marinate elk meat for days before smoking it above a hickory fire. The wood gives it a sweet and intense flavor. If you get your hands on elk jerky, you will be glad to know that it comes from animals that have not been fed with hormones or steroids. So, you get to enjoy a healthy and nutritious snack free of nitrates and preservatives.
10.Tibetan Yak Jerky
Jerky is one of the oldest types of cured meat. Across history, people all over the world have developed various techniques of preserving the flesh of various animals. One of them comes from Tibet where the locals air-dry lean cuts of Yak
Yak jerky is more tender and delicate than beef jerky. More so, it is lean and highly nutritious. The only downside is that you have to travel far and wide to get a taste of it. Fortunately, it is more than worth it.
