At Kalahari Khabu, we don’t just make biltong; we live, breathe, eat, and sleep it. We are on a mission to bring the world’s best biltong to meat lovers everywhere, and the right biltong maker is key to achieving that perfect flavour and texture.
Our roots run deep in the meat industry, stemming from the small town of Adelaide in the Eastern Cape, where our family has been crafting biltong for generations. With over 80 years of collective experience, we understand every nuance of this beautiful, age-old craft.
The Origins Of Biltong
Biltong began with the Khoisan Bushmen, the first masters of meat preservation, long before refrigerators or modern technology. They relied on the hot, dry African climate to sun-dry strips of game meat, ensuring they had a lasting food source.
Later, the Boer Afrikaners, comprising Dutch, German, and French settlers, perfected the curing process by introducing vinegar and biltong spice. This evolved biltong into the delicacy we know today. Even the British settlers couldn’t resist its charm, and biltong quickly became a staple in every South African home.
Ways To Make Biltong
Today, the world has embraced biltong, but making it successfully depends on the environment. Different methods have emerged to counteract humidity and ensure consistent results. Here’s a breakdown of how biltong is made worldwide and why different conditions call for different techniques.
Traditional Winter Drying On The Verandah
Early 20th Century Wooden Biltong Box With Fans
The DIY Cardboard Biltong Box Setup
Plastic Biltong Box With A Fan And Heat Source
Budget-Friendly Plastic Biltong Makers
The KK Biltong Boss Range
Enter the modern era with our KK Biltong Boss range, a collection of beautifully designed biltong machines AUS catering to beginners and professionals. These sleek, programmable, and hygienic biltong dryers feature a closed drying environment that prevents contamination and ensures consistent results. With gentle, controlled airflow, they make it incredibly easy to succeed in producing perfect biltong.
Our biltong maker AUS range includes:
KK11 Biltong Box AUS
KK12 Biltong Maker AUS
KK16 Biltong Machine AUS
The Kalahari Khabu Heritage Stainless Steel Biltong Box AUS
Kalahari Khabu Commercial Biltong Machine AUS
Kalahari Khabu Industrial Biltong Machine AUS
Choosing The Right Biltong Dehydrator In Australia
Making biltong in Australia comes with unique challenges due to the country’s diverse climate. The success of biltong-making depends on controlling airflow, temperature, and humidity.
In naturally dry regions, biltong can air-dry with minimal intervention, but in more humid areas, improper drying conditions can lead to mould, uneven texture, or extended drying times.
A biltong dehydrator helps counter these challenges by regulating airflow, maintaining optimal drying temperatures, and preventing excess moisture buildup. When selecting the right biltong dehydrator AUS, consider these key features:
Adjustable Airflow
Proper airflow is critical to remove moisture evenly and prevent spoilage. Look for a dehydrator with a built-in fan system to circulate air effectively.
Temperature Control
While traditional biltong is air-dried, modern dehydrators often come with a low-heat setting to aid drying without cooking the meat. A unit with adjustable temperature control gives you flexibility.
Humidity Management
In humid climates, controlling moisture levels inside the dehydrator is essential. Some high-end models have built-in humidity sensors to maintain ideal conditions.
Capacity & Size
Consider how much biltong you plan to make. A small household biltong dehydrator is perfect for personal use, while larger commercial units are available for bigger batches.
Other Essentials To Make The Perfect Biltong In Australia
Having a high-quality biltong maker is just the first step to crafting the perfect batch of biltong. To truly elevate your biltong-making experience, a biltong shredder and biltong spice can make all the difference.
A biltong shredder lets you:
- Achieve uniform slices or shreds for a professional finish.
- Save time compared to manual slicing.
- Reduce waste by cutting efficiently, maximising your yield.
Whether you enjoy finely shredded biltong for snacking or thicker slices for a more traditional experience, a biltong shredder AUS makes the process effortless.
The right biltong spice is what transforms dried meat into the flavourful snack loved around the world. Traditional South African biltong spice blends typically include a mix of salt, coriander, black pepper, and vinegar, but there are endless variations to suit different preferences. For the best results, it’s essential to use high-quality biltong spice AUS, especially if you want an authentic taste.
The Future Of Biltong – Your Journey, Your Method
Regardless of your experience, Kalahari Khabu has the perfect biltong maker for you. From traditional air-drying methods to DIY biltong boxes and high-tech biltong machines, there are many ways to create the perfect batch of biltong. The key is finding the approach that suits your style.
Pairing your biltong maker with a high-quality biltong shredder ensures precision slicing, while premium biltong spice enhances flavour. With the right tools, every batch can be consistent, delicious, and perfectly textured.
Starting with 70% capacity is a great way to build confidence and refine your technique. As you gain experience, you will naturally become more efficient, making the most of every cut of meat. Let’s keep this incredible tradition alive and share it with the world. Happy drying, and welcome to the biltong revolution!