National Craft Jerky Day celebrates the art of making homemade dried meat snacks, honoring traditional recipes passed down through generations and the craft jerky makers who keep this delicious tradition alive.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: November 27th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: #CraftJerkyDay
- When was it founded?: November 24th, 2016
- Who founded it?: Long Beach Jerky Co.
History
The holiday was created by Long Beach Jerky Co., founded by Alex Naticchioni and Richie Beckman. The inspiration came from Alex’s grandfather, “Gramps,” who made homemade jerky for Christmas stockings. This family tradition eventually transformed into a successful business venture when Alex and Richie started experimenting with Gramps’ original recipe in their Long Beach apartment.
Timeline
- 1550s: Earliest records of ch’arki in the Andes Mountains
- 1800s: Jerky becomes popular in pioneer America
- 2013: Long Beach Jerky Co. founded
- 2016: National Craft Jerky Day established
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Nov 27 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | Nov 27 | Thursday |
| 2026 | Nov 27 | Friday |
Observed
The day is celebrated annually on November 27th since 2016, encouraging people to explore the art of making their own jerky and supporting local craft jerky makers.
Fun Facts About Jerky
- The word “jerky” comes from “ch’arki” in Quechua language
- Jerky can be made from various meats, including alligator and camel
- Properly dried jerky can last for months without spoiling
- Traditional jerky contains only meat and salt
Quiz
- What language does the word “jerky” originate from?
- Who created National Craft Jerky Day?
- What year was Long Beach Jerky Co. founded?
(Answers: 1. Quechua 2. Long Beach Jerky Co. 3. 2013)
FAQs
- Can any meat be used for jerky?
Yes, any lean meat can be used for making jerky. - How is jerky preserved?
Through drying and salting, which prevents bacterial growth. - Why is craft jerky special?
It maintains traditional recipes and preparation methods.
Importance of Craft Jerky Day
This celebration highlights the significance of preserving traditional food-making methods and supports small-batch producers who maintain authentic jerky-making techniques.
Related Holidays
- National Jerky Day (June 12)
- National Snack Day
- National Food Preservation Day