National Jerky Day is observed worldwide on June 12 each year, celebrating the popular dried meat snack known as jerky. This food holiday was established in 2012 by the Wisconsin Beef Council and Jack Link’s Beef Jerky to promote the product and boost sales. Jerky, which is made from lean meat that is cut into thin strips and dried to prevent spoilage, has its origins in the Quechua term "ch’arki," meaning dried, salted meat. Traditionally, jerky was used as an ingredient in soups and stews, but it has evolved into a widely enjoyed snack. To celebrate, people often enjoy their favorite jerky, incorporate it into cooking, or even make their own. The snack is also notable for its high protein content and long shelf life, making it a staple in military rations and a requested item by astronauts.