The next review for 4 Seasons Jerky will focus on a 2 ounce/56.7 gram bag of their Honey Basil flavored turkey jerky. This flavor is advertised as an aromatic blend of basil and sweetness of honey. The bag was graciously submitted for review by the owner, Thom Le, which is short for Thomas
This 4 Seasons Jerky brand named is distributed under the same name of 4 Seasons Jerky, and they are based out of Highland, California. Thom is an avid outdoorsman, and started making homemade jerky to keep up his energy level. His jerky became a big hit with his friends, and in October 2016, Thom launched this 4 Seasons Jerky brand. Their motto is “Quality Jerky For Any Occasion, All Year Long”. Currently, there are 8 different flavors of beef for sale, plus this honey basil turkey jerky. You can use promo code ilovejerky to save $2 off any order, and the promo code take5 to save $5 off any order over $15.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Turkey, Honey, Basil, Black Pepper, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Smoke Liquid, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Crush Pepper, Other Spices. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Anchovies
The turkey is ethically raised, meaning no growth hormones or additional antibiotics are administered. There is no guarantee of the turkey having free range access. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Very Good (9/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of healthy honey, a decent soy sauce, a good Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, plus offers many health benefits if eaten in moderation.
Healthy spices are used such as basil, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red crushed chili peppers, and others.
The salt level is sort of high at 410mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preferred level is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky. The sugar level is quite respectable at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are mainly medium in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is sort of dry, and can be somewhat of a challenge to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavor detected is a mild level of basil that competes with the black pepper taste. A mild level of soy remains consistent, along with a light smoked flavor. There is a very favorable kick to this flavor, which would not be any higher than a 1 out of 5 on the heat scale.
As for the honey flavor, it is at a light level. There is very little sweetness with this flavor, and a decent amount of natural turkey flavor. Mild to light levels of garlic and onion are always appreciated. Overall, a very tasty flavor, but does not offer enough of the honey flavor.
A 2 ounce/56 gram bag sells online for $4.99. That works out to $2.50 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price, but closer to an average price considering this is turkey jerky. This flavor is recommended as worth your money if you enjoy soy, basil, and turkey flavors.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This plastic bag has the whole front and back covered in a paper bag look. There is a label affixed to the front, and a small sticker on the back. The logo is mountains, which illustrates the outdoors.
There is no slogan printed on the bag. Facts provided are “13g Protein”, “Low Carb”, “0g Trans Fat”, “Tender & Savory”, “Gluten Free”, “No Nitrates”, “Low Fat”, and “Natural Ingredients”.
There are some bag categories missing such as a transparent window to view the jerky, bar code, allergen alerts, distributor address details, and a blurb about the jerky or flavor.
Order their jerky online: www.4seasonsjerky.com
Thank you Mark and to your team for another great job on these reviews! You guys are an asset to the craft jerky community!
Thank you so much for the kind words Thom. Keep up the great work with 4 Seasons Jerky, where you have a lot to be proud about in a short amount of time.