National Craft Jerky Day

National Craft Jerky Day is observed in the United States on November 27^th. It’s the perfect holiday to enjoy the taste of jerky—a dish whose origins date back to ancient Egypt.

History

Scholars believe jerky was popular among Andean peoples. The region’s climate allowed for high-quality dried meat, prepared by sun-drying strips during the day and cooling them in the mountain air at night. These jerky cuts were large and often included bones; camel, llama, alpaca, and vicuña were all used. This preservation method made meat last for months.

The earliest references to jerky appear in Egypt. Tomb excavations reveal that ancient Egyptians developed sophisticated food-preserving techniques. Native American tribes later mixed dried meat with berries and fat to create pemmican, a nutrient-dense survival food for winter.

Interesting Facts

• Since 1996, jerky has been part of American astronauts’ diets.
• John Lennon included the track “Beef Jerky” on his 1974 album Walls and Bridges.
• About 1 kg of raw meat yields around 250 g of jerky.
• National Craft Jerky Day was founded by Long Beach Jerky Co.

How to Take Part

• Make your own craft jerky at home—experiment with different meats and seasonings.
• Visit a specialty shop or café to sample artisanal jerky varieties.
• Host a jerky-tasting party and invite friends to compare flavors.
• Share photos and recipes on social media with the hashtag #CraftJerkyDay.

When is National Craft Jerky Day in 2025?

National Craft Jerky Day is observed on November 27 each year.

Observations