Chipped beef, also known as dried beef, has been a beloved ingredient in many households for generations. Whether it’s used in creamed chipped beef on toast or as a sandwich filling, this salty and flavorful meat has a special place in our hearts.
However, it’s no secret that chipped beef can be quite expensive compared to other meats. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the high cost of chipped beef and why it’s worth the extra expense for some.
So, let’s dive in and uncover the truth about this beloved meat product.
Why Is Chipped Beef So Expensive?
There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of chipped beef. Firstly, the process of making dried beef is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The beef is pressed, salted, and dried, which takes a lot of effort and resources. Additionally, some makers smoke the dried beef for added flavor, which further increases the cost.
Another reason for the high cost of chipped beef is that it takes more meat to make bigger portions. Since the meat is mostly dried, it needs to be sliced thinly to make it flexible and easy to use. This means that more meat is required to make larger portions, which can drive up the cost.
Furthermore, only the best and highest quality meat cuts are suitable for making chipped beef. The meat needs to have a visible marbling effect to ensure that the aging process enhances its quality. This means that only a limited amount of meat can be used for chipped beef production, which further increases its cost.
Lastly, the demand for chipped beef is not as high as other meats, which means that there is less competition in the market. This lack of competition can lead to higher prices since there are fewer options available for consumers.
The Process Of Making Chipped Beef
The process of making chipped beef starts with the production of dried beef. This involves pressing, salting, and drying the meat, which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The beef needs to be sliced thinly to make it flexible and easy to use, which requires more meat for larger portions.
To make dried beef, the meat needs to have a visible marbling effect to ensure that the aging process enhances its quality. This means that only the best and highest quality meat cuts are suitable for making chipped beef. The exact process of salting and drying differs between makers and has evolved over time. Some makers smoke the dried beef for added flavor, which further increases the cost.
The final step in the dried beef process is slicing the meat – this is how you get chipped beef. Due to its thinness, it’s recommended to freeze the dried beef for several hours before slicing to make it even more firm and allow the knife to glide smoothly through.
The Quality Of The Meat Used
The quality of the meat used in chipped beef plays a significant role in the overall cost of the product. Only the highest quality meat cuts are suitable for making chipped beef, as the meat must have a visible marbling effect to ensure that the aging process enhances its quality. This means that only a limited amount of meat can be used for chipped beef production, which further increases its cost.
Meat quality is affected by various factors, including genetic propensity, rearing practices, and nutritional status during production. These factors influence the fat, lean, and connective tissue components of meat and therefore impact its overall quality. Genetic differences are being understood as genetic markers are being developed for many major quality characteristics within species. As the production segment selects animals to maximize quality, reduction in meat quality can be obtained. However, these animals must be fed and reared to maximize quality.
The handling of animals pre-slaughter also affects meat quality. The application of stunning and exsanguination methods that ensure reduced animal stress are important to meat quality. The application of electrical stimulation and how the carcass is chilled influence the rate of rigor mortis and subsequent meat quality.
Limited Availability And Production
Another factor that contributes to the high cost of chipped beef is its limited availability and production. Unlike other meats, chipped beef is not as widely produced or available in the market. This is partly due to its time-consuming and labor-intensive production process, which limits the amount of chipped beef that can be produced at any given time.
Furthermore, the demand for chipped beef is not as high as other meats, which means that there is less incentive for producers to increase their production. This limited supply and high demand for chipped beef can lead to higher prices, making it a luxury item for many consumers.
Moreover, the production of high-quality chipped beef requires specific expertise and equipment, which further limits its availability. Only a handful of producers have the knowledge and resources to create top-quality chipped beef, which means that there are fewer options available for consumers.
Transportation And Storage Costs
Transportation and storage costs also contribute to the overall expense of chipped beef. Since the product is made from high-quality meat, it needs to be transported and stored in a way that maintains its quality and freshness. This requires specialized equipment and facilities, which can add to the cost of production.
In addition, chipped beef needs to be stored in a specific way to prevent spoilage and ensure a longer shelf life. One of the main reasons that commercial beef jerky stays fresh for so long is because they make sure there is no oxygen in their finished product packaging. This is normally done by shooting nitrogen into their packages to flush out the oxygen before inserting the jerky and sealing. However, this process requires specialized equipment that can be expensive.
To maintain the quality of chipped beef during transportation and storage, it also needs to be kept in cool, dark places. Direct sunlight can cause condensation within the packaging, which can result in mold growth. This means that specialized storage facilities are needed to ensure that the product remains fresh and safe for consumption.
Demand And Market Factors
The demand for beef, in general, has been strong in recent times, which has put pressure on supplies and led to higher prices. One of the factors driving this demand is the economic recovery, which has led to people dining out more frequently. Restaurants are particularly interested in higher-value cuts like rib-eye and tenderloin, which can further drive up the cost of beef.
Another important factor is the lingering bottleneck in the supply chain. There are several issues that have affected the supply of beef, including a shrinking herd, packing capacity, and trucking capacity to move products around the country. These issues have been exacerbated by the pandemic and the resulting volatility in the market.
Additionally, feed, fuel, and labor costs have all increased on the supply end due to lower unemployment and economic growth. These factors have made it more expensive to produce beef and move it through the supply chain to grocers and restaurants.
Finally, while demand for beef at grocery stores hasn’t slowed down despite restaurants reopening, there is still less competition in the market for chipped beef specifically. This can lead to higher prices since there are fewer options available for consumers.
Is Chipped Beef Worth The Expense?
Despite the high cost of chipped beef, many people believe that it is worth the expense. Authentic, high-quality dried beef can add a lot of flavor to dishes and can go a long way in terms of serving size. Cheaper, prepackaged versions of dried beef often lack the savory taste and texture that comes with authentic, slow-dried beef.
Additionally, chipped beef has a rich history and is considered a comfort food by many. It has been a staple dish during difficult times such as the Great Depression and World War II, and continues to be enjoyed by families today. Making chipped beef from scratch can also be a fun and rewarding experience for those who enjoy cooking.
