Good biltong can stay delicious for a surprisingly long time, but the way you store it matters. Moisture, heat and a lack of airflow are the biggest causes of mould and a change in flavour or texture. The best method also depends on whether your biltong is wet, medium or dry, and whether it is sliced or kept as a whole piece.

How to store sliced biltong

If you plan to eat sliced biltong within a few days, keep it in a cool, dry place in a clean paper bag or another breathable container. Gently shake or turn the biltong each day so that pieces do not remain pressed together. This allows air to move around the slices and helps prevent moisture from collecting in one spot.

Wet biltong needs more attention than dry biltong. Avoid leaving moist slices sealed in a warm plastic bag for long periods. If you refrigerate it, use a clean sealed container and allow the biltong to return to room temperature before opening it, which helps reduce condensation.

Whole pieces last longer

A whole piece generally keeps better than sliced biltong because less surface area is exposed to air and handling. Hang it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, or wrap it loosely in paper. Slice only what you intend to eat and use a clean knife and board.

Longer-term storage

For longer storage, vacuum sealing and freezing are the most reliable options. Divide the biltong into practical portions before sealing so that you only defrost what you need. Let a frozen sealed pack thaw fully before opening it; opening it while still cold can cause moisture from the air to settle on the meat.

Check it before eating

Inspect stored biltong regularly. If it develops visible mould, an unusual smell, a slimy surface or a flavour that seems wrong, it is safest to discard it. Do not rely on simply wiping mould away, especially with moist or sliced biltong.

The simple rule

For biltong you are eating soon: keep it cool, dry and able to breathe. For biltong you want to keep for longer: portion, vacuum seal and freeze it. Sampsons Biltong is packed fresh, so following these steps will help protect the flavour and texture you ordered.