The next review for 4 Seasons Jerky will focus on a 2 ounce/56.7 gram bag of their Garlic Pepper Carolina Reaper flavored beef jerky. As of 2013, the Carolina Reaper Pepper reigns as the hottest pepper surpassing 2 million SHU (Scoville Heat Units). The owner Thom Le, which is short for Thomas, kindly submitted this bag of jerky for review.
This 4 Seasons Jerky brand name 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 an impressive 11 different flavors of jerky for sale. 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: Beef, Garlic Seasoning, Carolina Reaper Pepper, Black Pepper, Soy Sauce (Gluten Free), Worcestershire Sauce (Gluten Free), Liquid Smoke, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Crush Pepper, Other Spices. Allergen Warnings: Soy
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 a good gluten-free soy sauce, a good gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Ingredients lists are not provided for the soy and Worcestershire sauces.
Healthy spices are used such as black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.
The heat is achieved from the red crushed chili peppers, and of course Carolina reaper peppers, currently the hottest pepper in the world. Hot peppers are healthy if eaten in moderation, which flush toxins out of the body.
The sugar level is great at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is respectable at 330mg of salt 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 medium in size, and sliced thin. The texture is somewhat dry, and reasonably easy to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors detected are good levels of garlic and black pepper. Quickly, the heat sets in. On a heat scale, the spiciness would rate about a 4 out of 5, perhaps more. The heat does increase as you consume more strips, where your mouth burns, and brings on sweating.
Mixed in is a great ratio of Worcestershire and soy sauce. With almost no sweetness, the natural beef flavor is great. The saltiness is at a mild level. Overall, this flavor delivers on all aspects with the garlic, black pepper, and Carolina Reaper pepper.
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. This flavor is highly recommended if you enjoy the intense heat from Carolina Reaper hot peppers with a good level of garlic.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This silver colored plastic bag has a label attached to the front, and a sticker on the back. The logo is mountains, which illustrates the outdoors.
The slogan stated on this bag is “Quality Jerky For Any Occasion, All Year Long”. Facts provided are “13g Protein”, “Low Carb”, “0g Trans Fat”, “Tender & Savory”, “Gluten Free”, “No Nitrates”, “Low Fat”, “Natural Ingredients”, “Made in the USA”, and “Warning: 2+ Million (SHU (Carolina Reaper Pepper)”.
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
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