If you’ve tasted Ilse van Lingen’s biltong and droëwors, you’ll understand why it has become such a firm favourite.

Ilse’s biltong journey began with a little help from someone who certainly knew his stuff — Chris Joubert, founder of the famous J&M Biltong in Cape Town, who later sold the business and retired to Greyton.

Chris was unable to share his recipe but he was happy to help in another way. Each time Ilse was at the market, Chris would taste her latest batch and suggest a small adjustment — a little more of a particular flavour, a change to the seasoning or a tweak to her method.

Over time, Ilse continued refining her recipe, batch by batch, until the day came when Chris finally conceded that her biltong tasted even better than his!

Today, Ilse’s delicious biltong and droëwors are well known at the Greyton Saturday market and much loved — the result of years of patience, experimentation and a little friendly mentoring from one of the masters of the craft.

We’re delighted to have Ilse and her biltong and her son’s Little Mill Honey at The Greyton Collective. Just be warned: once you open the packet, it may not make it all the way home!