If you’ve ever torn into a strip of craft biltong and instantly recognized that deep, savory tang that’s unmistakably South African, you’ve experienced something special — the unmistakable harmony of spice, craftsmanship, and time.

At Yebo Biltong, we don’t just make dried beef. We make authentic South African biltong, crafted the traditional way, using pure ingredients and bold spices that carry the taste of home. Our recipe doesn’t rely on soy or artificial flavoring, just quality beef, air, patience, and a handful of honest, time-tested ingredients.

Our Craft Biltong is made with a commitment to authenticity that resonates with every bite.

At the heart of it all? The spices and seasonings that define South Africa’s national snack.

The Soul of Biltong Lies in Its Simplicity

Unlike American-style jerky, which is cooked quickly and coated in sugary marinades, biltong is air-dried slowly and seasoned with spices that naturally bring out the flavor of the beef.

The process of making Craft Biltong is an art form that celebrates South African traditions.

The traditional South African base ingredients are simple but powerful:

• Beef (usually top round, eye of round, or bottom round)
• Vinegar (apple cider or malt)
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Roasted Coriander
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Spices (clove, nutmeg, paprika, or whatever floats your boat)
• Worcestershire sauce

That’s it, no nitrates/nitrites, no smoke flavoring, no artificial flavorings.

Craft Biltong embodies everything that makes South African cuisine unique.

What makes this combination special is the balance. The vinegar tenderizes and adds tang; the coriander adds aroma and citrusy warmth; the pepper adds bite; the salt preserves and enhances; and the Worcestershire sauce ties it all together with deep, umami richness.

It’s a recipe that’s been passed down for generations,  and one that Yebo Biltong proudly continues to perfect.

Coriander: The Signature South African Spice

The cornerstone of all true South African biltong is coriander.

Whole coriander seeds are gently toasted, then coarsely ground — releasing fragrant citrus and nutty notes that infuse into the beef during drying. When you open a bag of Yebo Biltong and get that instantly recognizable aroma, that’s coriander doing its magic.

It’s the scent of home for South Africans everywhere, and it’s what gives biltong its unmistakable identity.

At Yebo Biltong, we grind coriander fresh for every batch to preserve those essential oils that carry the flavor. It’s a small detail that makes a world of difference in authenticity and taste.

Black Pepper: The Balancing Act

If coriander provides the warmth, black pepper brings the edge.

Cracked peppercorns add just the right amount of heat and depth, balancing the mild sweetness of the meat and the citrusy spice of the coriander. Pepper gives biltong its character, that satisfying bite that lingers on the tongue and keeps you reaching for another piece.

Craft biltong is all about restraint and proportion. Too much pepper, and it overwhelms the subtler flavors; too little, and the biltong tastes one-dimensional. At Yebo, our blends are hand-measured for perfect balance, bold enough to excite, yet refined enough to respect the beef.

Vinegar: The Tang That Defines the Tradition

Every great batch of biltong begins with vinegar.

In traditional recipes, vinegar is used to cure the beef before spicing, adding tang, enhancing tenderness, and acting as a natural preservative. It’s what gives authentic biltong that clean, sharp undertone you can’t replicate any other way.

We use apple cider vinegar, known for its slightly fruity flavor that perfectly complements coriander and Worcestershire sauce. It doesn’t overpower; it simply lifts the other flavors and ensures every bite of Yebo Biltong has that bright, unmistakable South African tang.

Each piece of Craft Biltong tells a story of flavor and heritage.

Worcestershire Sauce: The Deep Umami Layer

Here’s the secret ingredient that takes great biltong to legendary status: Worcestershire sauce.

Introduced to South African kitchens generations ago, Worcestershire sauce quickly became a staple in biltong making. It adds a subtle richness —savory, tangy, slightly smoky—that ties all the other spices together.

In our recipe at Yebo Biltong, it adds depth without masking the beef’s purity or the brightness of the coriander. It’s the layer that rounds out the flavor, adding that satisfying umami note that makes our biltong stand apart.

We use just enough to enhance, never to dominate. The result? A biltong that’s balanced, complex, and undeniably South African.

Salt: The Foundation of the Craft

Salt is both the most basic and the most essential ingredient in biltong.

It draws moisture out of the beef during the curing process, creating the perfect conditions for slow, even air-drying. But beyond preservation, salt also unlocks and amplifies every other flavor in the spice mix.

At Yebo Biltong, we use high-quality, clean, mineral-rich, unrefined salt. It seasons gently, enhancing the coriander’s brightness and the Worcestershire’s depth without overpowering. When the balance is right, you taste flavor, not salt.

The Regional Roots of South African Spice

Our Craft Biltong showcases the finest regional spices that define our culture.

Every corner of South Africa has its own take on the biltong spice blend — subtle regional variations that reflect local taste and history.

• Western Cape: Peppery and tangy, often with extra vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for a sharp, savory finish.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Inspired by Indian and Portuguese influences, sometimes with a hint of chili or peri-peri.
• Free State & Gauteng: Simple and traditional, focusing on coriander and pepper.
• Northern Cape: More rustic, with wild herbs or bush spices occasionally added.

Each version carries the same foundation: coriander, pepper, vinegar, salt, but the regional tweaks create endless possibilities within tradition. At Yebo, our signature blend is proudly rooted in Cape-style balance: bright, peppery, and deeply flavorful with the right hint of Worcestershire complexity.

With Craft Biltong, we ensure that every ingredient enhances the traditional taste.

Modern Craft Biltong: Honoring Heritage, Elevating Flavor

Today, small-batch makers like Yebo Biltong are reviving the old ways of making biltong — using traditional recipes, slow air-drying, and natural ingredients — while refining the craft for modern tastes.

Craft Biltong is not just a snack; it’s a tribute to South Africa’s rich culinary landscape.

We keep the heart of biltong pure by using high-quality beef and ingredients. But we’re also unafraid to explore variations inspired by South Africa’s culinary diversity:

• Teriyaki for a touch of sweetness. Just 1 gram of sugar, light flavored, no soy, and a very slight hint of heat at the end.
• Authentic Saffa for a deeper, traditional flavor. The one everybody grew up with.
• Peri-Peri for those who crave intensity.
• House Blend — our purest version, seasoned with only the essentials: coriander, pepper, vinegar, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.

Every batch is crafted by hand, air-dried naturally, and tasted for consistency. Because when you start with authenticity, you don’t need anything artificial to make it great.

Why Authentic, 0g Sugar Biltong Matters

In today’s snack market, it’s easy to find “biltong-inspired” products loaded with sugar and flavor enhancers. But real South African biltong never needed those. If labeled, it is only used for antimicrobial purposes.

The beauty of Craft Biltong lies in its simplicity and pure ingredients.

The beauty of biltong lies in its natural harmony, the tang of vinegar, the depth of Worcestershire, the freshness of coriander, and the savoriness of pure beef.

By keeping our recipe additive-free, we stay true to what biltong was always meant to be:

• High in protein
• Low in carbs
• Rich in natural flavor
• Made for clean, healthy snacking

At Yebo Biltong, “authentic” isn’t a marketing term; it’s a promise.

When you choose Craft Biltong, you’re choosing quality and tradition.

How to Enjoy Biltong: Let the Spices Speak

Biltong’s depth of flavor makes it a perfect snack,  but it also pairs beautifully with other foods and drinks that highlight its spice blend:

• Wine: A bold South African Shiraz or Pinotage brings out the pepper and Worcestershire depth.
• Beer: Crisp lagers or pale ales balance the vinegar tang and coriander freshness.
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, or Camembert pairs wonderfully with the spice’s complexity.
• Anytime Snack: Straight from the bag, it’s pure satisfaction — clean, lean, and packed with flavor.

Every bite tells a story — one rooted in South Africa’s landscape, culture, and love of real food.

The Final Word: A Taste of Heritage, Crafted by Hand

Every bite of Craft Biltong connects you to the heart of South African culture.

Authentic South African biltong isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about respect. Respect for the process, the ingredients, and the generations that perfected it.

At Yebo, we believe that Craft Biltong is a celebration of flavors that bring us together.

At Yebo Biltong, we carry that respect into every batch we make.
Our spice blend —coriander, pepper, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt —is the same foundation that’s been used for centuries. No nonsense, just the real flavors that make South African biltong one of the world’s most iconic snacks.

When you open a pack of Yebo Biltong, you’re not just tasting dried meat —you’re tasting tradition, craftsmanship, and the unmistakable spice of home.

So, whenever you enjoy our Craft Biltong, savor the authentic South African experience.