Discover Fish Jerky

(Page 2 of 2)

July/August 1982
By Gary L. Nelson 
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The time it takes your fish to dry will depend upon the temperature used, the thickness of the strips, and the amount of moisture in the slices. After about an hour—when the mini-fillets start to harden—turn them over and let them cook for another hour or so to assure thorough drying. If you want to try some right away, take the jerky from the oven while it's still bendable. The strips must be quite brittle, however, if you want to store them for longer periods.

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In order to save energy, you can let the hot sun do your drying. Flies and other insects can be a problem with this method . . . so be sure to cover your fish with cheesecloth, screen mesh, or similar material. Or, you could start a small fire underneath your racks and let the smoke repel the bugs.

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE

Fish jerky is usually chewed in its raw form, but it can also be cooked and used in a variety of soups and chowders. For these dishes, the finger food should be soaked in water first, until it's fairly soft. (Cooking is recommended, since it's sure to destroy any harmful microorganisms that might be present . . . and drying only stops bacterial growth. An alternative might be to cook the fish before you dry it.)

Like other types of jerky, dried fish keeps best in tightly closed jars stored in a cool, dry location. If all moisture and mischievous bugs are banished, it will stay "fresh" for long periods . . . even years! And—in these days of possible power outages, canning supply shortages, and spiraling supermarket prices—it's nice to know that fish jerky and other dehydrated edibles are delicious foods you can depend on!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Fish jerky, like any dried meat, should be handled with reasonable caution. Discard strips that become moist or sticky during storage. The rule is, simply, if you have any doubts about the quality of any dried food, don't eat it. More information on fish drying can be found in How to Dry Foods by Deanna DeLong. This volume is available from bookstores and libraries . . . or from Mother's Bookshelf (P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791) for $5.95 plus 95¢ shipping and handling.

And, for tips on catching your to-be-dried fish, turn to page 26!

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