Why beef jerky need to be refrigerated?

Beef jerky does not need to be refrigerated. In fact, refrigeration can actually make beef jerky tough and chewy. Beef jerky is a dried meat product that is typically made from beef, but can also be made from other meats, such as turkey, venison, or pork. The drying process removes most of the moisture from the meat, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. This makes beef jerky shelf-stable, meaning it can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time without spoiling.

However, there are some cases when refrigeration may be necessary for beef jerky. If the beef jerky is not properly dried, it may still contain enough moisture to support bacterial growth. Additionally, if the beef jerky is exposed to high temperatures, such as in a hot car, it may also need to be refrigerated.

To ensure that beef jerky stays fresh and safe to eat, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage. Most beef jerky products will have a "best before" date on the packaging. This date indicates the last day that the beef jerky is guaranteed to be fresh and of the highest quality. After this date, the beef jerky may still be safe to eat, but it may not be as flavorful or tender.

If you are unsure whether or not beef jerky needs to be refrigerated, it is always best to err on the side of caution and refrigerate it.