Everything You Need To Know About Corned Beef

Found mainly in Commonwealth countries, ‘Corned Beef’ is a brisket preparation of Beef seasoned with large grains of Salt. The name “corn” refers to the large grains of Salt used in curing the meat. Sometimes, sugar and other spices are also used to prepare the meat. The part of the Beef used in the preparation of the brisket cut generally comes from the fatty, succulent section of the cow.

The Preparation

The cut meat is soaked in a mixture of Salt, water, sugar, cloves, and other spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and coriander leaves. It is left in this brine solution for several days, softening its surface enough to soak up flavors.

There are various ways to cook corn beef. Depending on your preference, you can boil, braise, or slow cook it. The soft, flavorful slices are then paired with various other dishes, making them a great accompaniment.

The History

Corned Beef has a long history associated with a variety of cultures. During the Age of Exploration, Salt was used by European Sailors as a preservative for long journeys. In England, the term “Corn” was used to denote big grains of Salt on top of pieces of meat. In the 17th century, British colonizers started exporting large chunks of Beef from Ireland to various parts of their empire as the country was abundant in cattle. Hence, despite Beef not being a staple in Ireland, it forged an association with the government.

Later in the 19th century, the Irish brought many of their cultural traditions to America, and Corned Beef was one of them. The Jews also started using Beef as an alternative to Pork, eventually making their own versions of corned Beef. Today, it has become an unparalleled part of various celebrations like  St. Patrick’s Day and myriad cultures across the globe.

The Variations

This classic preparation can be altered by using spices, marination, aromatics, vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, and caramelized fruits such as pineapples, apples, and pears. The multitude of cuts and chunks of beef meat can be put in sandwiches or accompanied by beverages like beer.

The Nutritional Value

Corned Beef contains nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, iron, and zinc. However, it can sometimes be high in sodium and saturated fat intensity, but that can be altered to the kind of preparation it receives.