7.62NATO

Okay, when you get the jerky in the store, it ain't frozen or refrigerated. I assume they use cure. Most of the recipes I've seen on this site do NOT use cure. Why is that? And most people are saying to vacuum seal it and freeze it. Why? Why can't it be stored at room temperature for a very long time, as long as it's sealed? Wasn't that part of the original intent of jerking? To save the meat w/o refrigeration??

bigtim6656

I made one patch of beef jerky when i got my dehydrator and jerky gun. Cured and dried. Half went to the freezer and half sit out. Two or three days later I woke to molded jerky. I think it would be ok at room temps if you do it right and are not in a humid area. I would cure vacuum seal then leave out if you wish. Me i would still refrigerate it

jerseyhunter

You can leave it out as long as it's in a brown paper bag barely closed, this way it can breathe. Only draw back is that they will continue to keep drying and turn brittle.

7.62NATO

Maybe all you need are those moisture-absorbing "do not eat" packs that come in a variety of products. You know the ones I mean?

Big Guy01

You have two options if you don't want to keep it frozen . Add chemicals to preserve the jerky or dry it hard as a rock. Even once it is dried it must be sealed up or it will absorbe moisture and mold.

wyrmblight

I smoke my jerky, do not use any cure, except for salt. Never had a problem with mold, but I keep mine in the fridge. My brother makes his with just salt and pepper, and he leaves his out on the counter. He never had a problem either. Not sure if it is because you used a dehydrator and we smoke ours.