How to Store Biltong in NZ for the Best Taste and Quality

Biltong has become one of the most loved snacks in New Zealand, especially among South African expats, foodies, and anyone who appreciates a rich, savoury treat. Whether you enjoy it as a quick snack, serve it during a braai, or keep a stash for road trips, storing biltong properly is the key to preserving its flavour, texture, and freshness.

We’ve all experienced it, opening a fresh pack of biltong only to find it’s gone soft, mouldy, or lost that unique richness. The good news is that with the right storage techniques, you can make every bite as satisfying as the first, no matter where you are in NZ.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips to keep your biltong fresh, tasty, and authentic, whether you’re buying small packs, stocking up in bulk, or planning for outdoor adventures.

The shelf life of biltong depends on how it’s cured, seasoned, and dried. High-quality biltong, like that from Biltong Plus, is carefully prepared using premium cuts and traditional methods to naturally extend freshness without compromising flavour.

Texture matters:

✅ Dry biltong lasts longer than moist cuts, which require more careful storage.

Seasoning counts:

✅ Salt, vinegar, and spices act as natural preservatives, slowing down spoilage.

Proper curing ensures safety:

✅ Authentic biltong is air-dried under controlled conditions, which prevents moisture retention and mould growth.

When you start with quality, storing biltong becomes easier and more reliable.

Before focusing on storage, check what you’re working with. Not all biltong is made the same, and inferior cuts often spoil quickly. Here’s what to look for:

Natural ingredients:

✅ Avoid products with unnecessary preservatives or additives.

Consistent curing:

✅ High-quality biltong feels firm but not rock-hard.

Balanced texture:

✅ It should neither be overly moist nor excessively dry unless you’re specifically choosing a dry-style product.

When buying from Biltong Plus, you know you’re getting biltong prepared to perfection, making proper storage much simpler.

This is one of the most important steps in keeping your biltong fresh. Different types of biltong require different storage methods, and mixing them up can lead to mould or texture loss.

For Dry Biltong

✅ Can safely be stored at room temperature.

✅ Use resealable bags or airtight containers.

✅ Keep in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight.

For Moist Biltong

✅ Needs refrigeration due to its higher water content.

✅ Wrap it in paper towels before sealing it in a container to absorb excess moisture.

✅ Consume within 3–5 days for the best taste.

Pro Tip: Avoid storing moist and dry biltong together. Their different moisture levels affect each other and can accelerate spoilage.

Exposure to air and humidity can cause your biltong to dry out or spoil faster.

To keep it at peak quality:

✅ Use vacuum-sealed bags for bulk storage.

✅ For smaller portions, resealable plastic bags or glass jars work perfectly.

✅ Always squeeze out excess air before sealing.

This simple step can extend shelf life significantly, especially in humid parts of NZ.

New Zealand’s warm summers can be tricky for biltong storage. Heat and sunlight speed up spoilage, so choose your storage spots carefully:

✅ Use a pantry, cupboard, or drawer with stable temperatures.

✅ Avoid placing containers near windows, ovens, or other heat sources.

✅ If your home tends to get hot, refrigeration is safer — especially for moist cuts.

If you’re someone who buys biltong in bulk, refrigeration is your best friend. But there’s a right way to do it:

✅ Wrap biltong in paper towels before storing it in a sealed container.

✅ Avoid overcrowding the container to allow air circulation.

✅ For moist biltong, refrigeration keeps it safe for up to 10 days without changing the flavour.

Freezing is ideal if you want to stock up on larger quantities of biltong without compromising quality. However, there’s a process to follow:

How to Freeze Biltong Correctly

✅ Use vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn.

✅ Separate into smaller packs so you only thaw what you need.

✅ Label each bag with the freezing date to track freshness.

Thawing Without Losing Texture

✅ Defrost in the fridge, not at room temperature, to avoid condensation.

✅ Keep the bag sealed during thawing to preserve flavour.

✅ Once thawed, consume within 48 hours for the best taste.

Avoid Overcrowding When Storing Biltong

Packing biltong too tightly prevents airflow and can cause mould, especially in moist cuts. To keep it fresh:

✅ Divide bulk quantities into smaller containers or bags.

✅ Store portions separately based on moisture levels.

✅ Rotate older packs to the front so they’re used first.

Enjoying biltong is more than storage; it’s an experience. If you want to recreate the authentic South African vibe:

With red wine:

✅ Bold reds complement biltong’s richness.

With craft beer,

✅ The hops balance the savoury flavour.

With premium whisky:

✅ Perfect for spice-coated biltong varieties.

Next time you open a fresh pack from Biltong Plus, make it a full tasting experience.

Different flavour profiles — chilli, garlic, or peppered biltong — can easily mix when stored together. To avoid blending tastes:

✅ Use separate airtight containers for each flavour.

✅ Label containers for easy identification.

✅ Avoid stacking moist and spice-coated cuts together.

If you’re taking biltong on a road trip, picnic, or braai, follow these tips:

✅ Use resealable bags with moisture absorbers.

✅ Keep biltong in a cooler bag during summer.

✅ Store away from direct sunlight to avoid texture changes.

No one wants to waste good biltong, but safety comes first. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to throw it away:

Smell:

✅ A sour or musty odour is a warning sign.

Texture:

✅ Excessively sticky, slimy, or soft pieces may have gone bad.

Colour:

✅ Any unusual spots or white fuzz indicate mould.

Safe Timelines:

✅ Dry biltong: Up to 7 days at room temperature, 10 days refrigerated.

✅ Moist biltong: Best consumed within 3–5 days refrigerated.

One of the easiest ways to keep your biltong fresh is to buy smaller amounts more frequently. With Biltong Plus, you get:

✅ Freshly prepared biltong made in small batches.

✅ Faster delivery for maximum freshness.

✅ Access to authentic South African recipes right here in NZ.

Biltong isn’t just a snack, it’s a tradition. When stored properly, every piece retains that authentic South African taste. With Biltong Plus’s premium quality cuts, you can enjoy the same flavour you remember from home.