The next review on Jerky’s Gourmet of San Diego will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their ghost pepper 100% grass-fed beef jerky flavor. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by one of the co-founders, Tim Gertsman.
This Jerky’s Gourmet of San Diego jerky brand name is distributed by Jerky’s Gourmet, fittingly located in San Diego, California. Co-founders Tim Gertsman and Andria Taylor teamed up together in 2013 to launch this Jerky’s Gourmet of San Diego brand of jerky. Only 100% grass-fed beef is used in their jerky. They offer a number of different jerky styles such as classics, paleo friendly, soy free, and alcohol infused. To date, all of their flavors reviewed have received perfect taste ratings.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Grass-fed Beef, Brown Sugar, Honey, Dark Molasses, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled White Vinegar, Molasses, Sugar, Water, Salt, Onions, Anchovies, Garlic, Cloves, Tamarind Extract, Natural Flavorings, Chili Pepper Extract), Granulated Garlic, Beef Stock, Pineapple, Ginger, Ground Black Pepper, Ghost Pepper, Hickory Liquid Smoke, Cayenne Pepper, Citric Acid, White Pepper, Paprika. Allergen Warnings: Anchovies
The cattle used is confirmed to be 100% grass-fed, sourced from a farm in Eugene, Oregon. They are also ethically raised, meaning they are not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics.
The liquid marinade consists of honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid hickory smoke. Apple cider vinegar offers many healthy benefits, as does honey, provided it is minimally processed.
The heat is achieved in this flavor from the cayenne pepper, and ghost pepper, also known as bhut jolokia. Hot peppers are healthy if eaten in moderation.
The sugar level is fairly high at 6 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less. The salt level is sort of high at 410mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. However, that is negated because minimally processed sea salt is used.
Kudos to Jerky’s Gourmet of San Diego for having no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is minimally processed sea salt. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These hand sliced strips of jerky are small to medium in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. They have a great dry texture that is generally easy to chew. The actual cut of beef used is top round. There are some minor visible signs of fat that add to the overall natural beef flavor. Handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
A light tang from the apple cider vinegar is detected first. A mild lemon and a light pineapple flavor helps offset the heat here. It does not take long for the heat to take effect, especially an after burn from the ghost pepper. On a heat scale, it would rate about a 3 out of 4.
The Worcestershire sauce is at a mild level. There is both a mild saltiness and sweetness. A light pepper flavor is detected. Overall, this is a delicious blend of flavors, which leaves you wanting more.
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag sells online for $9.49. That works out to $3.16 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. This jerky is certainly recommended for those who enjoy a hot ghost pepper flavor that does not go overboard. Plus, it uses 100% grass-fed beef.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This is a standard sized resealable bag. There is a label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. There is a great high resolution picture of a Ballast Point Habanero Sculpin beer on the label, which puts this label over the top.
There are no clearly defined slogans printed on the bag. Some facts printed on the bag are “100% Grass Fed Beef”, “Premium Jerky”, “Top Shelf”, “Low in Sodium”, “No Artificial Preservatives”, “No Nitrites”, “No Hormones”, “No Antibiotics”, and “Natural Smoke Flavor Added”.
All major bag categories are covered. The only minor bag category missing is that the jerky weight is not stated in grams.
Order their jerky online: www.jerkysgourmet.com
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