The Benefits of Eating Heart and Turning It into Slow Smoked Jerky
Eating organ meats, especially the heart, has been a part of traditional diets for centuries. The heart is a muscle, much like the steaks and roasts we commonly consume, but it comes with unique nutritional benefits that make it a worthwhile addition to your diet. One delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this often-overlooked cut is by turning it into slow smoked jerky. Here are some compelling reasons to consider incorporating heart meat into your meals and a guide on making heart jerky.
Nutritional Powerhouse
High in Protein: Heart meat is exceptionally rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body maintenance. Protein helps keep you full longer, aiding in weight management.
Rich in CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that supports heart health, enhances energy production, and may improve skin health. Heart meat is one of the best natural sources of CoQ10.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Heart meat contains essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins (B12, B6, and riboflavin), iron, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients support everything from red blood cell production to immune function and energy metabolism.
Collagen and Elastin: These proteins are vital for maintaining healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues. Including heart meat in your diet can support your overall structural health.
Culinary Delight: Slow Smoked Heart Jerky
Making slow smoked heart jerky is a fantastic way to enjoy this nutrient-dense meat. Here's a simple guide to get you started:
Ingredients:
1-2 hearts of any animal (cleaned and trimmed)
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Preparation: Begin by cleaning the heart. Trim away any fat, connective tissue, and membranes. Slice the heart into thin, uniform strips. The thinner the strips, the faster they will dry.
Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the heart strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Smoking: Preheat your smoker to 165°F (74°C). Arrange the marinated heart strips on the smoker racks, making sure they do not overlap. Smoke the strips for 3-4 hours or until they reach your desired level of dryness.
Storage: Once the jerky is done, let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks.
Health Benefits of Heart Jerky
Portable and Convenient: Heart jerky is an excellent snack for on-the-go. It's lightweight, non-perishable, and packs a nutritional punch, making it perfect for hiking, camping, or busy days.
Balanced Nutrients: Unlike many processed snacks, heart jerky provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals without unnecessary additives and preservatives.
Satiety and Energy: The high protein content helps keep you full and energized throughout the day, making it a great choice for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a nutritious snack.
Incorporating heart meat into your diet through slow smoked jerky is a delicious way to reap its many health benefits. Not only do you get a nutrient-rich snack, but you also enjoy the satisfaction of a culinary tradition that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. So, fire up your smoker and give heart jerky a try – your taste buds and body will thank you!
