What’s Corned Beef?

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Corned beef was originally preserved with salt before refrigeration. It grew in popularity among Jewish and Irish immigrants in New York City, leading to the creation of the Reuben sandwich. Corned beef and cabbage is still a traditional Irish dish, while smoked brisket is marketed as pastrami.

Corned beef, also called corned beef, is a popular meat product that dates back to the days before refrigeration. Faced with the challenge of preserving fresh meat for the winter season, butchers routinely packaged beef or pork in salt to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Meats such as beef brisket could also be marinated in a spicy, salty brine. At one time, the word corn referred to a number of kernels or seeds, including granules of coarse salt packed around the brisket. Thus the meat was called “tinned” in reference to the salt seeds.

Even after modern methods of refrigeration and preservation made pickling and pickling obsolete, corned beef continued to grow in popularity among Jewish and Irish immigrants who moved to New York City in the late 19th and 19th centuries. early 20th century. Specialty shops and restaurants called delicatessens served hot sandwiches to a wide range of customers. From these East Side delicatessens a new sandwich would be introduced: the Reuben. The Reuben sandwich combined the saltiness of corned beef with the tartness of sauerkraut and the creaminess of melted Swiss cheese. All of these ingredients are served on grilled rye bread with Russian or 1000 Island dressing as the only toppings.

Another popular meat dish came from the Irish tradition. Corned beef was a staple during the lean times of the Irish famine, along with fresh or pickled cabbage. To pay homage to those difficult times their ancestors faced, many Irish families still serve corned beef and cabbage during certain holiday periods. The meat is often boiled, not roasted. This allows some of the excess salt and pickling spice to boil out of the meat and makes the brisket more tender.

Although corned beef is rarely roasted, it can be smoked for added flavor. Smoked brisket is marketed as a lunch meat called pastrami. Pastrami is often used in the same types of sandwiches, but has a softer texture and more peppery flavor.

Whole loaves of pastrami are usually covered with a spice rub and whole peppercorns, while corned beef can be marinated in traditional pickling spices. Pastrami has a notoriously short shelf life, so it should be eaten within a few days of purchase. Corned beef can also be combined with potatoes to form hash, a popular breakfast item in many countries.




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