A little reason to celebrate

National Craft Jerky Day

Food · November 27

A food day for craft jerky: small-batch dried meat made with careful cuts, thoughtful marinades and slow drying, and the people who make it.

National Craft Jerky Day falls on Friday, November 27, 2026. That is 31 days away.

Craft jerky is dried meat made in small batches, usually by people who care a great deal about which cut they use and how long it sits in the marinade. The basic idea is old and simple. Lean meat is sliced thin, seasoned, and dried slowly until most of the moisture is gone, which leaves something chewy, salty and easy to carry.

What makes it craft is mostly attention. Makers pick lean cuts, trim the fat (fat does not dry well), and decide whether to slice with the grain for a long chew or against it for a more tender bite. Marinades run from plain salt and pepper to soy, garlic, black pepper, brown sugar, chili or smoke. Beef is the familiar choice, but turkey, pork and other meats show up too.

Marking the day can be as easy as trying a jerky from a local butcher, farmers market or smokehouse and paying attention to it instead of eating it in the car. Tasting two side by side helps. One might be peppery and stiff, the other sweet and soft, and the difference usually comes down to the cut, the slice and the drying.

People who make jerky at home often talk about texture more than flavor. A good piece should bend and crack a little before it tears, not snap like a cracker.

Ways to celebrate

Try a jerky from a local butcher, smokehouse or farmers market.
Taste two jerky styles side by side and compare texture and seasoning.
Ask a local maker which cut they use and how they slice it.
Pack a few pieces of jerky for a walk or hike.
Share a favorite jerky flavor with a friend who has not tried it.

Dates

Year	Date
2026	Friday, November 27
2027	Saturday, November 27
2028	Monday, November 27
2029	Tuesday, November 27
2030	Wednesday, November 27

All national days on November 27

Also on November 27

Categories: Food days