A few tips to help you along in making beef jerky:
1. The meat needs to be dried as quickly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacteria growth. Cutting the meat in as fine slices as you can will shorten the drying time.
2. If you want your jerky to last longer, store it in glass Mayson jars. It can last months stored in this way.
3. If you’re drying the meat in an oven, it’s helpful to leave the door open just slightly to allow the moisture to escape.
4. Jerky should have the consistency of rubber. Do not allow it to become over-dried.