Mutton Jerky

Mutton jerky is a traditional dried meat snack made from seasoned and dehydrated mutton (goat or sheep meat), commonly found in Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines. It typically consists of lean mutton strips marinated in spices like salt, garlic, and cumin before being sun-dried or smoked. This preservation method has been used for centuries by nomadic and pastoral communities across regions like Mongolia, Iran, and the Indian subcontinent.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Mutton jerky is an exceptionally high-protein, low-carbohydrate food with moderate fat content, making it a dense source of energy and muscle-building nutrients. A typical serving provides significant amounts of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, with a rough calorie range of 150-200 kcal per ounce (28g).

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	170 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	2 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	450 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Zinc	4.2 mg
Potassium	280 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Niacin (B3)	6.5 mg
Vitamin B12	2.1 mcg
Selenium	18 mcg
Magnesium	25 mg

Per 1 ounce (28 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Nutritionally, mutton jerky stands out for its high bioavailable iron content (more easily absorbed than plant-based iron), which historically helped prevent anemia in pastoral societies. Culturally, it's often associated with nomadic traditions and is sometimes used in ceremonial offerings or as a symbol of hospitality in Central Asian cultures.