Carne Seca (Brazilian Beef Jerky)

Posted on July 24, 2023August 1, 2023 by John Reynolds

From the parma hams of Spain to the salted cod of Scandinavia, meat preservation has existed in cultures around the globe since ancient times. Prior to refrigeration, it was a crucial means of making food last longer by preventing spoilage from bacteria and other contaminants. In Brazil, a ration of dried beef was a staple for the gauchos, who required fast and shelf-stable ingredients while driving cattle across the country. Known simply as carne seca (“dried beef”), this Brazilian version of beef jerky remains popular both as a snack and an ingredient. Let’s take a closer look at the history of carne seca in Brazilian cuisine, how it is made, and how it differs from North American beef jerky.

Carne Seca in Brazil

The first iterations of carne seca in South America were known as charqui, a Quechua term that referred to various types of meat, mostly llama, that were cut in thin strips and dried in the sun. “Charqui” is, in fact, where the word “jerky” comes from.

There are variations of carne seca according to region. Beef has replaced llama as the most common type of carne seca, although other meats can be used. All Brazilian beef jerky recipes typically involve salt to draw out the moisture and speed the drying process. More or less salt is used depending on local tastes, and other seasonings may be added, such as pepper, and ground herbs.

What Type of Beef is Used for Carne Seca?

You can use any kind of beef you like to make homemade carne seca. However, it is best to use a leaner cut, such as a top round, bottom round, or flank steak. Picanha will also work beautifully, since the majority of its fat exists in a thick cap on top of very lean muscle.

North American vs Brazilian Beef Jerky

While carne seca is, indeed, a kind of beef jerky, it has some key differences with its American counterpart. In the US, we think of beef jerky as bite-sized, fairly thick pieces of salted, dried beef that you eat with your hands on the go. The meat often has a smoky or peppery flavor, and is rarely used in cooking.

In Brazil, by contrast, carne seca is utilized predominantly as an ingredient in main courses, such as feijoada and arroz carreteiro. It is usually air dried, as opposed to American jerky, which can be smoked. Prior to using in a recipe, carne seca is typically rinsed to remove excess salt then rehydrated.

The appearance of Brazilian beef jerky is also different. It is often shredded finely, especially when accompanying a side of Brazilian rice and beans. This gives it a more satisfying texture that is much less chewy than larger pieces would be.

Can You Make Carne Seca at Home?

Absolutely! To make carne seca at home, you basically need three ingredients: beef, salt, and sun. It is also best done in a fairly dry climate, since humidity will attract more pests (even with all that salt). Otherwise, you can use a dehydrator or a Biltong box (see below).

Homemade Carne Seca Basic Recipe

1. Prepare the Beef

Trim excess fat away from your cut of beef. Then, place it on a baking sheet in the freezer for around 15 minutes until it is partially frozen. This will make it easier to slice into strips.

2. Cut the Beef

Cut the beef in very thin strips (3-4 mm) against the grain. If you have a friend at your local butcher’s, you could ask them to do this for you with the deli slicer and save you a lot of time.

3. Salt the Beef

For every 8 oz of beef you have, add 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix with your hands to be sure all the strips are evenly coated.

4. Cure the Beef

Cover your salted beef strips and refrigerate them for four hours.

5. Dry the Beef

Now, for the drying. You have a couple options for this. You can be a real gaucho and attempt to sun-dry your beef by hanging it up somehow. A clothesline can come in handy for this method. Simply drape the thin strips over the meat and let the sun do the work. This will take several days and can most certainly invite pests, like birds and insects. Unless you are able to maintain fairly constant vigilance, we recommend either a dehydrator or a Biltong box.

If using a dehydrator, you can go high and fast or low and slow. We prefer the low and slow method, which sets the dehydrator at 105 degrees Fahrenheit and slowly dries the meat over 20 hours or so.

The Biltong box is closer to the traditional method, since it involves air drying; but it is protected from pests inside a box. The Biltong box is actually named after a kind of preserved meat eaten in South Africa. Buying one online can set you back a pretty penny, but if you are handy, you can make your own using stuff you probably already have around the house.

The length of time for drying carne seca in a Biltong box will vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how thick you’ve cut it. With the thickness we recommended, however, it shouldn’t take longer than 72 hours.

6. Shred the Beef

Brazilian beef jerky has a signature, shredded texture. This can be easily achieved by pulsing your carne seca in a food processor. Pulse in short bursts until your jerky achieves a fluffy, shredded appearance (kind of like the hairs on a coconut husk).

Where to Buy Carne Seca?

If you want to save yourself the trouble and simply buy carne seca, it is easily done in the US. It is quite popular in northern Mexican cuisine; as such, many mercado’s will carry pre-packaged shredded beef jerky. You can also buy it online, if you are so inclined.

If you are looking for a non-shredded version of carne seca that seamlessly blends American and Brazilian tastes, try Texas de Brazil’s all new line of beef jerky. Choose from smoky original or spicy, and indulge your taste buds in a truly delicious and dangerously snackable jerky. Visit our online market to order yours today.

Capoeira: The Dynamic Martial Art of Brazil

Posted on July 10, 2023 by John Reynolds

Celebrate Capoeiristas in August

August 3 is Capoeirista Day in Brazil. It is a day specifically dedicated to celebrating practitioners of capoeira, the national martial art of Brazil. A unique blend of dance, acrobatics, and self-defense, this captivating art form has become a symbol of national identity. In honor of Capoeirista Day, let’s take a closer look at capoeira’s rich history and traditions.

Origins of Capoeira

Capoeira originated in Brazil during the 16th century when African slaves were brought to the country by Portuguese colonizers. The slaves brought with them their cultural traditions, including food, music, language, and even combat techniques. As combat practice was forbidden among the slaves, it was often cleverly disguised as a form of dance.

Capoeira is believed to be specifically descended from a ritual combat technique known as “Engolo” or “Ngolo.” This is a fighting style practiced by many tribes in southern Angola. Like capoeira, it relies heavily on inverted positions (one or more hand touching the ground) and is designed to be especially useful when one is outnumbered.

The exploitation of capoeiristas by warlords and other criminals in the late 19th century led to it being officially banned in 1890. Anyone caught practicing capoeira would be punished severely.

The Re-Emergence of Brazil’s Martial Art

By the 1920s, masters of Capoeira attempted to bypass the ban by incorporating elements from gymnastics and other martial arts, such as judo. It was presented as a form of self defense, rather than combat technique. In 1920, Anibal “Zuma” Burlamaqui penned the first official manual about the instruction and technique of Capoeira.

Unfortunately, the attempts to hide Capoeira from the authorities resulted in it being significantly pared down from its original roots. Manuel dos Reis Machado recognized the issue, and founded the first official school of Capoeira in 1932. Although the school taught traditional Capoeira techniques, that name was not mentioned in the school’s title. Instead, it was called “Regional fighting of Bahia,” to avoid policy scrutiny.

Machado founded an additional school in 1937 and, in large part due to his efforts, capoeira was legalized once again in 1940. Machado was affectionately known as “Mestra Bimba” by his students, and remains a capoeira legend to this day.

Techniques Used in Capoeira

Capoeira is a dynamic art form that combines elements of martial arts, acrobatics, dance, and music. It is characterized by fluid movements, spins, kicks, and sweeps. Often performed in a roda, a circle formed by participants, capoeira involves two players engaging in a rhythmic dialogue of attacks and defensive maneuvers. The roda is surrounded by musicians playing traditional instruments, such as the berimbau, pandeiro, and atabaque, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

The ginga is a signature move in capoeira. It is a rocking movement designed to both keep the capoerista in constant motion, and to allow them to trick their sparring partner with a combination of feints and fakes. Most strikes in capoeira involve the legs. For example, tesouras are hits to the knee, and resteiras are full leg sweeps.

Blocking is not common in capoeira, as it is considered a last resort. Rather, capoeiristas favor dodging movements collectively known as esquivas. These can be quite acrobatic. The au, for example, is a cartwheel-like maneuver that can be used to regain balance or avoid a takedown.

Traditions of the Capoeirista

Capoeira has its own traditions and codes of conduct. The mestre, the highest rank in capoeira, leads the group and guides students in their training. Respect for elders, known as “Axé,” is a fundamental principle of capoeira, as it acknowledges the experience and wisdom passed down through generations. Additionally, capoeira fosters a strong sense of community, promoting inclusivity and friendship among practitioners.

Uniform and Attire

The traditional uniform worn by capoeiristas is known as the “abada.” This term refers to a pair of loose-fitting white pants. Modern abadas typically incorporate the school’s emblem. Today, many schools do not require a specific uniform, and any athletic clothing may be acceptable.

In addition to the abada, capoeiristas may wear accessories such as a corda (cord) around their waist, indicating their level of proficiency. There are 8 colors, with transitional cords in between: yellow, orange, red, blue, green, purple, brown, and black. The corda serves as a visual representation of the practitioner’s dedication and progress within the art.

Are their Female Capoeiristas?

Of course! Women have been involve in capoeira since its inception, albeit in smaller numbers and not without significant prejudice. While it is not uncommon today to see women in the roda, it has taken a good deal of work to equalize the sport. You can read more about the fascinating history of women in capoeira here.

Capoeira Around the World

Capoeira is more than just a martial art; it is a cultural expression deeply intertwined with the history and identity of Brazil. Its unique beauty, complexity, and efficacy has a universal appeal. Today, capoeiristas can be found all over the world.

Capoeirista Day celebrates the vibrancy, diversity, and unity of capoeiristas worldwide. If you know a practitioner, be sure to honor them on August 3 by attending a workshop, demonstration, or other event dedicated to this unique art form. And by all means, try an intro class! (Consult your healthcare provider beforehand, of course.)

More About Brazilian Culture and History:

The Gaucho Knife (Facón)

Posted on August 23, 2022 by John Reynolds

The history behind the gaucho knife is intertwined in the culture and history of the gauchos themselves. The image of the lone horseman hunting and foraging on the pampas, selling animal hides and ostrich plumes and sleeping under the stars sounds like a character from a novel rather than history. But the day-to-day existence of the gaucho was often fraught with the very real and very unromantic circumstances of hunger, thirst, and safety.

Gauchos first emerged as a distinct social class in the 17th century, but it was not until the 1800s that the name “gaucho” was used in writing by Spanish colonists. The name was, initially, a derogatory term for the nomadic horsemen, who were perceived as bandits and smugglers.

The origin of the term is not known, precisely. There are several theories, most of which have been debunked or highly questioned. However, most scholars agree that it likely arose from an indigenous word that contained sounds that could not be pronounced by speakers of Spanish and Portuguese.

The word garrucho, for example, is a Charruan word for a “low” or “contemptible person.” The Charrua were the indigenous peoples of the borders between Brazil and Uruguay. The double “r” sound in this word would have been difficult for Portuguese-speakers to pronounce. As a result, the spelling was probably changed to include an “h” sound. The resulting “gahucho” reached its final iteration in the form of “gaucho,” when Spanish-speakers omitted the “h” entirely.

From Bandits to Heroes

The gaucho reputation was strongly bolstered during the Argentine and Uruguayan wars of Independence, during which they were recruited as soldiers for their superb horsemanship and knowledge of the land.

The gauchos proved themselves to be brave and highly adept cavalry men, especially under the leadership of Argentine caudillo Martin Miguel de Güemes. It was Guemes who helped turn the word “gaucho” from one of derision to one of respect, as he referenced the men in his troops as “my gauchos.”

Gaucho Culture

Like the American cowboys, gauchos had a distinctive style of dress that was both practical and traditional. Most wore a poncho that could also act as a horse blanket. The poncho was worn over loose pants called bombachas. The horseman could be further cushioned in the saddle with another blanket worn around the loins. This was called a chiripa, and was belted together with a sash known as a faja. The final adornment worn by many gauchos was an ornate leather belt.

As cattle herders, the gaucho diet consisted nearly entirely of beef. They also drank a special infusion of yerba mate, a strong tea that provides nutrients and caffeine. The tea was traditionally drunk through a long silver straw from a hollowed out gourd.

Gauchos were known for being solitary, but were also extremely hospitable to guests, offering food and shelter for as long as someone might need.

The Gaucho Knife

Unfortunately, gauchos also developed a reputation for violence amongst themselves, no matter how trivial the argument. Tucked into the sash of every gaucho was the facón, a distinctive and deadly blade that was sometimes used to resolve these arguments.

Approximately fourteen inches in length with an elaborate wooden or horn handle, the facón was most often used as a utility knife. However, it has also been attributed to a good deal of bloodshed. Charles Darwin, who lived in the pampas for half a year in 1833, faulted the knife for the fatalities which often occurred during petty brawls:

“…there is much bloodshed: the habit of constantly wearing the knife is the chief cause of the latter. It is lamentable to hear how many lives are lost in trifling quarrels.”

Gauchos Today

By the end of the 19th century, the gaucho way of life was on the decline. South Americans increasingly viewed the gauchos as backward, and their nomadic existence gave way to the more permanent occupation of rancher and herder.

However, the gaucho legacy remains a strong part of Argentinian, Uruguayan, and Brazilian culture. They are featured in numerous poems, novels, and artwork, commemorated for their assistance in the wars of independence.

You can also get a small taste of what it was like to be a gaucho through the style of cooking known as churrasco. The gauchos were the originators of this style of cooking, which is similar to asado in Spanish. Churrasco uses only a little salt and flame roasts cuts of meat to bring out its perfect texture and flavor.

Gaucho Knife Gift

The facón continues to be a symbol of the gaucho way of life. Its rustic beauty and honed edge make it an ideal carving tool and a beautiful present for the foodie or historian in your life.

The gaucho knives offered by Texas de Brazil are a true homage to this unique culture. A ten inch stainless steel blade is paired with a bone or polished wood handle. The knife is encased in a soft leather sheath and presented on red felt in a wooden box. Visit our online shop to view our current availability.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro: The Samba School Parades

Posted on February 28, 2022 by John Reynolds

samba dancers in elaborate costumes — Samba dancers in elaborate, hand-made costumes.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the largest in the world. Each day, 2 million people or more pack the streets to watch the parades, which feature food, music, dancing, and massive street celebrations.

One of the biggest attractions of the Rio Carnival are the Samba parades. There are over 70 schools in the city dedicated to Samba, and all take part in the Carnival parades to compete for the title of Grand Champion.

The Grupo Especial Competition

The parades occur on all nights of Carnival and in all areas of the city; but the official events take place on Sunday and Monday at the Sambrodomo, a four-level venue constructed especially for the Samba parades. Here, over 80,000 spectators can cheer for the schools competing in the Grupo Especial, or Special Group.

Costumes play an enormous role in the competition. Each school chooses its own theme and designs costumes and choreography to match. The need for movement and to stay cool in Rio’s sweltering heat have seen costumes generally evolve to be lighter and more skin-baring, with most schools selecting a bikini-style foundation for their attire. Individual details, like sequins, feathers, crystals, and jewelry are entirely up to the schools.

The Rio Carnival Floats

parade float with harlequin sculpture — An example of a float designed for Rio’s Samba parades.

Schools are also expected to design a parade float, which is equally elaborate and supports the chosen theme.

Accordingly, there are two wings to the Samba parades. The Ground Wing features dancers and musicians that surround the float, and the audience is invited to participate at this level. In order to participate in the parade, you must choose a school to support and purchase a corresponding costume.

The Float Wing is the area on top of the float where the most talented dancers can be seen tossing flowers at the crowd, waving, and grinning-all while never missing a step of their incredible choreography.

The dancers of the Float Wing are also adorned in the most intricate costumes. It is estimated that a single float costume can cost as much as $1,000 or more. Each is hand made, incorporating the finest embroidery, beading, and other details.

Carnival as a Political Platform

The samba schools are intimately connected to the favelas, or slums, of Rio. The first schools began in these neighborhoods in the 1920s, and they continue to represent a majority of the competitors.

Carnival is a unique opportunity to cross arbitrary social boundaries and highlight socio-economic issues. Rio’s most impoverished citizens are the stars of the show, and they use this spotlight to reiterate the ongoing plight of the city’s underserved populations.

This sentiment can be seen in past themes, which have not been shy in underscoring systemic flaws. In 2018, for example, the Beija Flor school won with their theme that explored Brazil’s “monstrous” side, shedding light on social and political inequalities within the nation.

In 2019, one of Rio’s oldest schools, the Estaceo Primera de Mangueira offered their theme of “History for Lulling Adults,” which sought to pay tribute to “negros, indos, pobres” and other historically underrepresented groups of Brazil.

Rio Carnival 2022 Dates

Rio Carnival festivities for 2022 have been postponed to Wednesday, April 20, through Saturday, April 30. This is to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 omicron variant, which has seen spikes recently in South America.