The next review for MTL Jerky will focus on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their Citron Trippant (Lemon Zinger) flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as combining the sour taste of freshly squeezed lemons, the citrusy punch of fresh lemon zest, and the heat of freshly ground black peppers. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by the owner, Alexander Halasz.
This MTL Jerky brand name is located in Montreal, Quebec, and is distributed under the same name of MTL Jerky. Frustrated with what jerky was available in Quebec, Alex set out to create jerky that was different from the status quo. The main focus is the quality of ingredients, and different flavor combinations as a healthy alternative source of protein. Alex claims to have 32 grams of protein per 70 gram bag, the highest percentage of protein when using the metric of cost of jerky/weight of jerky. Alex is constantly researching on ways to improve jerky, and is a true jerky aficionado. On June 1st, 2017, Alex officially launched this MTL Jerky brand name. Currently, they also sell Original and Annas Fringant (Perky Pineapple) beef jerky flavors.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Lemonade (Water, Concentrated White Grape and Lemon Juices, Natural Flavour, Vitamin C), Lemon Juice, Pineapple Juice From Concentrate (Water, Concentrated Pineapple Juice, Vitamin C), Filtered Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Unpasteurized Honey, Olive Oil, Pomegranate Molasses (Concentrated Pomegranate Juice, Sugar), Red Sugar Cane Syrup, Lemon Zest, Sea Salt, Pepper.
Ingrédients: Boeuf, Limonade (Eau, Jus Concentrés Raisin Blanc Et Citron), Jus De Citron, Jus D’Ananas Fait De Concentré (Eau, Jus D’Ananas Concentré, Vitamine C), Eau Filtrée, Vinaigre De Cidre De Pomme, Miel Non Pasteurisé, Huile D’Olive, Mélasse De Pommes De Grenade (Concentré De Jus De Pommes De Grenade, Sucre), Sirop De Canne À Sucre Rouge, Zest De Citron, Sel De Mer, Poivre.
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.
We have an interesting and unique liquid marinade used here comprised of healthy pineapple juice, extremely healthy apple cider vinegar, filtered water, very healthy unpasteurized honey, very healthy pomegranate juice concentrate, and healthy olive oil. Pineapples contain an enzyme named bromelain, which is used as a natural meat tenderizer in the food industry.
For a sweet based flavor, as we have here, the sugar level is acceptable at around 4 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is a tad high at around 364mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky. Regardless, healthy minimally processed sea salt is used, where salt levels are therefore ignored.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to a lesser degree. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are small in size, and are sliced almost thick. The strips are cut against the grain to allow an easier chewing experience. This texture is more on the dry side, and fairly easy to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
A strong level of lemon is detected immediately. Sourness from the lemons stimulates your mouth. The dominating lemon taste dilutes the natural beef flavor to a certain extent.
The freshly ground black peppers are a great addition to this flavor. A light level of sweetness is present, as is a mild saltiness. Overall, this jerky 100% hits on a bold tasting lemon flavor.
A 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag sells online for $8.00. That works out to $3.20 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Free shipping is offered on orders over $75. This flavor is highly recommended to any fan of lemons.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This clear, resealable bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. English translations are provided. This bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting. The logo has a cow on top of MTL Jerky. To the left is the Fleurdelisé (white cross) from the Quebec flag, and to the right is a maple leaf from the Canadian flag.
A slogan printed on this bag is “Le Boeuf Du Peuple (The People’s Beef)”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Sans Arômes Artifciels (No Artificial Flavours)”, “Faible en Gras (Low in Fat)”, “Bonnes Source de Protéines (Good Source of Protein)”, “Produit du Canada (Product of Canada)”, and “Aliments Préparés au Québec (Foods Prepared in Quebec)”.
All bag categories are covered here. There is a decent blurb printed on the bag about this jerky. Their @mtljerky social media handle is provided.
Order their jerky online: www.mtljerky.com
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