National Craft Jerky Day

National Craft Jerky Day, observed on November 27, celebrates the skill, creativity, and care that go into making high-quality jerky. From traditional beef and turkey to inventive flavors and alternative meats, craft jerky makers transform simple ingredients into flavorful, satisfying snacks through thoughtful seasoning, preparation, and slow drying.

The day is a delicious invitation to explore the variety of jerky available from small producers and local makers. Enjoy a favorite flavor, sample something new, or share a selection with friends and family while appreciating the craftsmanship behind every savory bite.

National Craft Jerky Day is observed on **November 27**. Unlike long-established religious or civic holidays, it is a modern food observance centered on the production and enjoyment of small-batch, carefully prepared jerky. Public information about its founding is limited, and the day is best understood as part of the broader growth of specialty-food celebrations that highlight independent makers, regional techniques, and artisanal quality.

The food itself has much older roots. Drying meat was an important preservation method for many societies before refrigeration, allowing fresh meat to be stored and carried for extended periods. In the Americas, Indigenous peoples developed sophisticated traditions of drying meat and fish; the English word “jerky” is commonly linked to the Quechua term *ch’arki*, associated with dried meat. Over time, these preservation practices influenced the forms of jerky produced in the United States and elsewhere.

Modern craft jerky differs from mass-produced products through its emphasis on ingredients, texture, curing methods, and distinctive flavor profiles. Producers may use different cuts of beef, turkey, pork, or other meats, along with marinades, spice blends, smoking, and carefully controlled drying. The rise of farmers’ markets, specialty food businesses, online sellers, and local artisan brands has helped move jerky beyond a basic trail snack and present it as a premium food with regional and creative variations.

The cultural significance of National Craft Jerky Day lies in its connection between an ancient preservation technique and contemporary food craftsmanship. Observed on November 27, it gives consumers an opportunity to learn about how jerky is made, support small producers, and appreciate the practical history behind a familiar snack. It also reflects a wider interest in handmade foods whose appeal comes from local identity, experimentation, and the skills of individual makers.