09/03/2026
You don’t need fat for aging to work. Here’s why…
When I age a deer, I’m giving the enzymes that are already in that muscle time to break down proteins and help tenderize the meat. That happens in venison, just like it does in beef. Now, fat cover does help protect meat from drying out. That part is true. With lean venison, you have to account for that. Drying and tenderizing/aging can happen at the same time. Just because the outside is drying doesn’t mean nothing’s happening inside.