Rabbit Jerky

This time of year the rabbit market is flooded so my surplus fryers do not get sold. Freezer space is running low and I don't especially like eating white meat everyday. Jerky is a great alternative, healthy snack and is simple to make. Keep it dry and it stays good for months without refrigeration. I don't really care to follow an exact recipe but use spices I have on hand. You don't have to just eat out of hand, experiment by using it in soup or other dishes. I like to add small pieces to ramen noodles along with some vegetables.

Directions

• After butchering rabbits of any age, I soak in cold salt water for a few hours. You can also use rabbit that's been in your freezer. 
• Pat dry and let the carcass dry to the touch.
• Cut the meat from the bone. Use the bones for soup or feed to the dog rather than buy commercial dog food. Actually our dog eats everything from the rabbit that we do not eat.
• I prefer to coarse grind the meat like you would for sausage so it's not so chewey. If you don't have a grinder, you can cut into approximately quarter inch slices.
• Add salt and spices, then mix thoroughly. Do not leave the salt out. I prefer coarse kosher salt but any table salt will do. Salt helps it dry and retard bacterial growth. If you are drying at lower temperature, you'll need more salt.
• Ground meat is easier to shape on a tray if you use a jerky press, which is a contraption similar to a caulk gun.
• I place strips in a food dehydrator set at 160 F and they usually dry in less than one day. You can alternatively put in the oven at low heat and crack it open to let the humidity out. Smoking at low heat is also a great option.
• Once it's completely dry I just store in a cookie jar or other container to keep insects away. If you live in a humid environment, you need to watch out for condensation and mold. You can put it in the freezer but it usually doesn't last long at our house.

Spices (pick any of the following to your taste)

Black pepper, chili pepper, Worcestershire sauce, sugar (I never use), thyme, lemon juice, liquid smoke, cloves, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, grated citrus peel, use your imagination!

rabbit jerky