Jerky

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/jerky

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the etymological root?Quechua word 'ch'arki,' meaning 'dried, salted meat.'
2. What is the optimal meat type for preservation?Lean meat, to prevent rancidity of fats
3. What is jerky and why does it last so long?Jerky is dried, salted meat that stays good for months because the salt and drying remove water, stopping bacteria from growing.
4. How does salt help keep jerky safe to eat?Salt pulls water out of the meat and any germs, making it hard for bacteria to grow and keep the jerky fresh.

Water Activity (aw): A measure of the unbound water available in a food product for microbial growth and chemical reactions.
Osmosis: The passive movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration to lower water concentration.
Rancidity: The process of degradation of fats and oils, leading to unpleasant odors and flavors.