Wood Biltong

Biltong is a traditional South African method of preserving and preparing meat. It is made by seasoning beef (or sometimes game meat) with a mix of spices and vinegar, after which it is slowly air-dried. This natural drying process deepens the flavour and keeps the meat tender and full of character.

Unlike many other meat snacks, biltong is not baked or heavily processed. It is pure, simple, and entirely about quality and time. As a result, it is rich in protein and a popular snack among athletes and health-conscious eaters.

Where does the name “biltong” come from?

The name biltong comes from Afrikaans and has Dutch roots. The word is composed of two parts:

“bil” literally means “buttock” or “rump” of the animal
“tong” means “strip” or “tongue”

Together, it therefore refers to strips of meat from the hindquarters of the animal that are dried and preserved.

The tradition of biltong dates back to the time of the early Dutch and European settlers in South Africa. They developed this method to preserve meat for longer during long journeys and treks through the interior.