The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3 ounce/84 gram bag of their peppered orange teriyaki flavored beef jerky. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Trent Levinson, from Tender Heifer Snack Co.
This jerky is manufactured and distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., and based out of Beaumont, California. The Smokehouse Jerky Co. brand name was launched in 2008. All of their beef jerky is made using the brisket cut of beef. Many people believe that brisket is the best cut of beef to absorb a marinade. All of their jerky is made in small batches. Tender Heifer Snack Co. are always looking for new distributors across the United States, and offer private label services.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Water, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Vinegar, Spices, Garlic, Onion, Pure Orange Extract (Alcohol, Water and Oil of Orange), Black Pepper. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
This brisket cut of beef used is from cattle raised in California. The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of water, a decent soy sauce, healthy vinegar, and pure orange extract. Oranges are full of vitamin C, and offer many health benefits. Orange oil is the essential oils extracted from orange peels, which offers many therapeutic and healthy benefits.
Healthy vegetables such as garlic and ginger are used. There are healthy spices added, where black pepper is listed as one of them.
The sugar level is respectable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is low at 170mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
As advertised, there are no unhealthy preservatives used, where this jerky is confirmed as having no sodium nitrite. Admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips are mostly medium and narrow in size. They are sliced to a medium thickness. There is a great dry texture, where the brisket cut of beef is easy to chew. There are no visible signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a mild soy flavor. It does not take long for a mild orange taste to become apparent, although it is not consistent between each jerky strip. The orange flavor makes this jerky somewhat juicy tasting. As for the peppered level, it is only at a light level. For a flavor with peppered listed first in its name, you would expect the peppered level to be higher.
There is not a classic tasting teriyaki flavor, but it does resemble teriyaki to a certain degree with the soy and a mild sweetness. A good, mild garlic flavor is noticeable, and the onion is at a light level. The brisket cut of beef absorbs marinades very well to produce a very tasty snack. Overall, this is an enjoyable flavor.
This 3 ounce/84 gram bag of jerky sells online for $8.00. That works out to $2.67 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. This jerky is recommended as worth your money for people who enjoy the taste of oranges.
Bag Review
This is a standard resealable plastic bag, with a label affixed on the front, and nothing on the back. The label has a fairly detailed picture that looks like a wooden shack with a “Jerky Co.” sign, and trees in a dark background.
Some facts printed on this bags are “Old Fashion Recipe”, “No Added MSG”, “No Added Preservatives”, “Made in U.S.A.”, “Old Fashion”, “Pineapple & Mango”, and “Brisket”.
All bag categories are covered but one. There is no blurb printed about Smokehouse Jerky Co. or Tender Heifer Snack Co.
Order their jerky online: www.tenderheifersnackco.com
I want to order this product and would love to get the large package. Actually several if that’s possible. I’m having a hard time finding it to order on line.