The history of beef jerky is as rich as its deep, smoky flavor. Archeologists have found evidence of dried meat in preserved tombs in ancient Egypt, and the word “jerky” comes from the Quechua word “Ch’arki,” which means “dried meat” in the native Incan language. In North America, Native Americans taught early settlers how to dry and cure meat. Tillamook Country Smoker (TCS) still practices the ancient craft today.
This branch of the Tillamook brand began in the 1960s in a makeshift backyard smokehouse. Today, it has grown into a business that puts 100% premium beef jerky products on store shelves.