Bresaola and spices, such as juniper berries, cinnamon and nutmeg. They are then left to cure for a few days. A drying period of between one and three months follows, depending on the weight of the particular bresaola. The meat loses up to 40% of its original weight during aging. In Valtellina, a similar process is applied to smaller pieces of meat. This produces a more strongly flavoured product, "slinzega", which is similar to South African "biltong". Traditionally, horse meat was used for "slinzega", but now other meats, such as venison and pork, are used, as well. As an antipasto, bresaola
Biltong of Southern Africa, such as the Khoikhoi, preserved meat by slicing it into strips, curing it with salt, and hanging it up to dry. European seafarers preserved meat for their long journeys by curing meat in salt or brine. European settlers (Dutch, German, French) who arrived in southern Africa in the early 17th century used vinegar in the curing process, as well as saltpetre (potassium nitrate). The potassium nitrate in saltpeter kills" Clostridium botulinum", the deadly bacterium that causes botulism while the acidity of the vinegar inhibits its growth. According to the World Health Organization, "C. botulinum" will not grow