It started in the late 1990s, where 2jerkys Ron Myrick and Doug Labb started making jerky for their camping and canoe trips. In 2013, after Ron decided to eat a more Paleo-friendly diet, they developed a variety of Appalachian Jerky called Primal Smoke, eliminating the use of unhealthy ingredients and becoming a hit with CrossFit gyms. Working with students from Northeastern University, the Naked Cow Beef Jerky brand name was introduced in September 2015 using only natural ingredients and made in a paleo style. This Naked Cow Beef Jerky brand name is distributed by Appalachian Jerky Co. and made in Brighton, Massachusetts.
The next review on Naked Cow Beef Jerky will focus on a 2 ounce/56.7 gram bag of their smoke flavored 100% grass-fed beef jerky. This flavor is described as being the simplest of their flavors, merging the taste of quality grass fed beef and the smoke to a complex and tasty flavor. The bag was kindly submitted by one of the co-owners, Doug Labb.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Water, Raw Honey, Kosher Salt, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Spices.
This jerky uses 100% grass-fed beef, the way nature intended. These cattle are raised ethically, meaning they are not fed growth hormones or additional antibiotics. There is also some free range access for the cattle to roam about and graze on grass.
The liquid marinade used here is comprised of water and healthy raw honey.
Some healthy ingredients added are paprika, garlic powder, and spices.
The sugar level is good at only 2 grams per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is a little high at 400mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky. Kosher salt is added, where there are mixed views, but generally less processed compared to table salt.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is kosher salt. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
NAKED COW BEEF JERKY – SMOKE 100% GRASS-FED BEEF JERKY (REVIEW #2)
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell soy, light soy. No one particular odor rears its ugly head. The pieces are medium in size, and not very thick. There appears to be minimal marinade in this flavor. The hue remains quite “transparent” all the way through. The jerky is dry and chewy, and it leaves no oily residue.
When I bite into the jerky I am met with a very processed taste. I detect light salt, light sugar, ever so slight garlic/onion, soy, and that’s about it. This jerky may be healthy as heck, but I’m not detecting enough of any distinct flavor to make me want more.
“Pedestrian” may be the most subtle but also the most appropriate way to describe this flavour of jerky. I can go no higher than a 6.5, which would (unfortunately) have rounded up to a 7/10. Gentlemen?
Here is what Mark had to say about this smoke beef jerky flavor from Naked Cow Beef Jerky: “Thanks Paul for the honest taste review. True, this beef does have a processed flavor. Other than the processed flavor, there is a nice flavor profile present. The smoke flavor comes across nicely. The sweet is at a light level as with the saltiness. With a light level of paprika used, it’s a great reminder of what flavor paprika brings to the table. Personally, I am at an 8 rating. After much consideration, a Decent (7/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
A 2 ounce/56.7 gram bag sells online for $7.50. That works out to $3.75 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Bag Review
This paper bag colored resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to the front and nothing on the back other than a best before date sticker. Their logo is a cow with the brand name “Naked Cow”, and below is their slogan: “Just Beef Jerky – No Udder Stuff”.
Some facts printed on this bag are “No Added MSG”, “Gluten Free”, “No Added Nitrites or Nitrates”, “Refrigerate After Opening”, “Minimally Processed”, and “Made From Grass-Raised Cows”.
The only missing bag category is a blurb printed about the jerky or flavor.
Order their jerky online: www.nakedcowjerky.com www.amazon.com
Leave a Comment