Are you a fan of traditional Newfoundland cuisine? Do you crave the taste of a classic Jiggs dinner, complete with salt beef, potatoes, and turnip?
If you’re living in Ontario, you might be wondering where to find this beloved ingredient. Luckily, there are several options available to you. From specialty stores to major supermarkets, you can get your hands on some delicious salt beef and start cooking up a storm.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to buy Newfoundland salt beef in Ontario. So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your cravings!
Where To Buy Newfoundland Salt Beef In Ontario?
1. Specialty Stores
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all things Newfoundland, then a specialty store might be your best bet. These stores typically carry a wide range of Newfoundland products, including salt beef.
One such store is located in Cambridge and sells a variety of Newfoundland goods. While we don’t have the name of the store, it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Another option is Stoyle’s in Cambridge, which offers vacuum-sealed salt beef and riblets, as well as other Newfoundland accouterments.
2. Major Supermarkets
If you prefer to do your shopping at major supermarkets, you’re in luck. Many of these stores carry salt beef, making it easy to pick up while you’re doing your regular grocery shopping.
Metro, Zehrs, and No Frills are all known to carry salt beef. Look for the brown map buckets, which typically have better cuts of beef and less fat than the smaller black and white buckets.
3. Online Retailers
If you’re unable to find salt beef at your local store or specialty shop, consider looking online. There are several online retailers that specialize in Newfoundland products and can ship salt beef directly to your door.
Just be sure to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a quality product.
What Is Newfoundland Salt Beef?
Newfoundland salt beef is a staple of traditional Newfoundland cuisine. It is made by curing beef or pork ribs in a heavy brine of pickling salt and storing it in a fridge or cold storage for several weeks. The meat is then soaked in water for several hours or overnight to remove most of the salt before cooking.
Salt beef is often used as a flavoring and seasoning in hearty stews and soups, and is a key ingredient in the famous Newfoundland dish, Jiggs dinner. It is also commonly served as a side dish with Sunday roast dinners.
While tougher cuts of meat can be used to make salt beef, beef riblets are a popular choice. Moose meat and other types of venison can also be used.
Making salt beef at home requires sterilizing containers, preparing a brine mixture of warm water and pickling salt, and storing the meat in the brine for several weeks. Aromatic ingredients such as black peppercorns can be added to the brine for extra flavor.
If you’re unable to make your own salt beef at home, there are several options for purchasing it in Ontario, including specialty stores, major supermarkets, and online retailers.
Supermarkets That Carry Newfoundland Salt Beef In Ontario
If you’re looking to buy Newfoundland salt beef in Ontario, there are several major supermarkets that carry it. Metro, Zehrs, and No Frills all stock salt beef, but the quality can vary depending on the brand and type of bucket.
The brown map buckets typically have better cuts of beef and less fat than the smaller black and white buckets. Metro on Stone Road in particular is known to carry salt beef near the hotdogs and bacon.
When shopping at these major supermarkets, be sure to check the meat section for the brown map buckets of salt beef. If you’re unsure which brand to choose, ask an employee for recommendations or read reviews online.
While specialty stores and online retailers can also be great options for buying salt beef, major supermarkets offer the convenience of being able to pick up salt beef while doing your regular grocery shopping.
Online Retailers For Newfoundland Salt Beef In Ontario
If you’re looking to purchase Newfoundland salt beef in Ontario, there are several online retailers that can help. Here are a few options:
1. The Newfoundland Store – This online retailer offers a wide range of Newfoundland products, including salt beef. They offer both boneless and bone-in options, as well as riblets and other cuts of beef. They ship across Canada, including to Ontario.
2. The Newfoundland Chocolate Company – While primarily known for their chocolates, this Newfoundland-based company also offers a selection of Newfoundland food products, including salt beef. They offer both boneless and bone-in options, as well as riblets.
3. The Dark Tickle Company – Based in St. Lunaire-Griquet, Newfoundland, this company specializes in wild berry products but also offers a selection of Newfoundland food products, including salt beef. They offer both boneless and bone-in options, as well as riblets.
4. The Fish Depot – While primarily focused on seafood, this online retailer also offers a selection of Newfoundland food products, including salt beef. They offer both boneless and bone-in options, as well as riblets.
No matter which online retailer you choose, be sure to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a quality product. And don’t forget to factor in shipping costs and delivery times when making your decision.
Tips For Cooking With Newfoundland Salt Beef
Cooking with Newfoundland salt beef can be a bit different than cooking with other types of meat. Here are some tips to ensure that your salt beef turns out delicious:
1. Soak the salt beef overnight to remove excess salt. This will help to prevent your meat from being too salty.
2. When boiling the salt beef, be sure to slice it so that it is no thicker than 3 inches. This will allow the curing mix to penetrate all the way through to the center of the meat.
3. Bring 2 liters of water to a boil and add your salt, pepper, bay leaves, juniper berries, onion, and garlic. Add the other 8 liters of water and stir until the salt is fully dissolved. Then add your curing mix.
4. Once the liquid has fully chilled, submerge your pieces of beef and weigh them down to ensure that they are completely covered in the liquid.
5. Place the container in a cool area for up to 10 days, giving the meat a turn every 2 days to redistribute the cure around all pieces of meat for even curing.
6. When it’s time to cook your salt beef, drain off the water and replace it with fresh water before boiling. This will help to remove any excess salt that may still be on the meat.
7. Cook your vegetables separately from the salt beef and add them in towards the end of cooking.
8. Serve with traditional Newfoundland sides like pease pudding and dark molasses pudding for an authentic taste.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Newfoundland salt beef turns out perfectly every time.
Other Newfoundland Ingredients To Try In Ontario
Aside from salt beef, there are several other Newfoundland ingredients that you can try in Ontario. Here are some suggestions:
1. Bakeapples
Bakeapples, also known as cloudberries, are a tart berry that grows in the peat bogs of Newfoundland. While they may be difficult to find fresh in Ontario, you can often find them frozen or in preserves at specialty stores.
2. Figgy Duff
Figgy Duff is a traditional Newfoundland pudding that is similar to British Spotted Dick or Figgy Pudding. It is typically made with flour, sugar, butter, molasses, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and allspice. While it may not be readily available in stores, you can try making it yourself using a recipe from a Newfoundland cookbook.
3. Jiggs’ Dinner
Jiggs’ Dinner is a traditional meal that is commonly eaten on Sundays in Newfoundland and Labrador. It typically consists of salt beef or turkey, turnip, cabbage, potato, carrot, pease pudding, and more often than not, some kind of dessert. While it may be difficult to find a restaurant that serves Jiggs’ Dinner in Ontario, you can try making it yourself using a recipe from a Newfoundland cookbook.
4. Purity Products
Purity Products is a Newfoundland-based company that produces a wide range of snacks and treats. Some of their most popular products include Jam Jams (a cookie filled with raspberry jam), Cream Crackers (a salty cracker), and Peppermint Nobs (a peppermint-flavored candy). While these products may be difficult to find in stores outside of Newfoundland, you can often order them online from specialty retailers.
