Are you a Newfoundland native living in Calgary and craving a taste of home?
Do you miss the savory, salty goodness of salt beef and Jiggs Dinner?
Look no further! We’ve scoured the city to find the best places to buy salt beef in Calgary.
Whether you’re looking for pick-your-own options or pre-packaged buckets, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your cravings with our guide to where to buy salt beef in Calgary.
Where To Buy Salt Beef In Calgary?
There are a few options for finding salt beef in Calgary. One option is to check out your local Co-Op grocery store. They often carry salt beef in the cooler section alongside fresh pasta and pre-cooked meat strips.
Another option is to head over to Mayfair Foods in Forest Lawn. They offer pick-your-own salt beef, so you can choose exactly what you want without having to buy a whole bucket.
It’s important to note that salt beef is not the same as corned beef. Salt beef is cured in salt brine and has a unique flavor that cannot be substituted.
Introduction To Salt Beef
Salt beef, also known as salt-cured brisket of beef, is a popular ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. The term “corned beef” is often used interchangeably with salt beef, but they are not the same thing. Corned beef is cured with large-grained rock salt, sugar, and spices, while salt beef is cured only with salt brine. Salt beef has a unique flavor that cannot be substituted by corned beef or any other type of meat. It is often used in hearty stews and soups, and as a substitute for ham in dishes like Newfoundland Pea Soup with Dough Boys. Salt beef was also a popular meal during World War I and World War II when fresh meat was rationed. It remains a common part of modern field rations of various armed forces around the world. In Calgary, you can find salt beef at Co-Op grocery stores or Mayfair Foods in Forest Lawn.
Traditional Newfoundland Dish: Jiggs Dinner
If you’re looking to try a traditional Newfoundland dish, look no further than Jiggs’ Dinner. Also known as “boiled” or “Sunday” dinner, this meal is a staple in Newfoundland cuisine and is typically served on Sundays with family and friends.
The main ingredient in Jiggs’ Dinner is salt beef, which is cured in salt brine and has a distinct flavor that cannot be replicated with any other type of meat. Other ingredients include turnip, cabbage, potato, carrot, and pease pudding. Some families also add a dessert such as Figgy Duff or Blueberry Duff to the meal.
To prepare Jiggs’ Dinner, the split peas are securely tied into a cloth bag and boiled along with the salt beef and vegetables. The resulting pot liquor is often used as a sauce for the meal, and mustard pickles and pickled beets are commonly served alongside it.
Jiggs’ Dinner is more than just a meal – it’s a cultural experience that brings families together over a shared love of food and tradition. So if you’re looking to try something new and delicious, give Jiggs’ Dinner a try.
Where To Find Salt Beef In Calgary
If you’re looking for the authentic taste of Newfoundland salt beef in Calgary, there are a few specialty stores that carry it. One option is to visit The British Pantry in northwest Calgary. They offer a variety of British and Irish products, including salt beef.
Another option is to check out the European Deli & Produce Market in northeast Calgary. They carry a selection of European meats and cheeses, including salt beef.
If you prefer to shop online, there are a few Canadian retailers that offer salt beef for delivery to Calgary. Newfoundland Specialties is one such retailer, offering both bone-in and boneless salt beef options.
No matter where you choose to shop for salt beef in Calgary, be sure to ask for advice on how to prepare it properly. Salt beef is often boiled with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, turnips, and turnip greens to create a hearty and flavorful meal.
Pick-Your-Own Options
If you’re looking for more control over the selection of your salt beef, Mayfair Foods in Forest Lawn offers a pick-your-own option. This means that instead of buying a pre-packaged bucket, you can see and choose exactly what you want. This is a great option for those who may not need a large amount of salt beef or want to ensure the best quality cuts.
Another option for those who want to have more control over their beef selection is to purchase a side of beef. This is a very economical way to purchase meat for a family, as you can expect to receive about 150lbs to 200lbs of meat for your freezer. The yield after butchering the side is usually around 60-70% of the hanging weight, depending on the cuts you select. Our meats are vacuum packed and sealed for long term freezer storage, so you can enjoy your salt beef for up to a year or more.
Craft Beef is another option for those who want high-quality, environmentally friendly beef delivered straight to their doorstep. They source from farms and ranches that prioritize animal welfare and regenerative agriculture practices, and their producers never use added hormones in any products. They also use environmentally friendly packaging that can be dissolved in water and recycled.
Lastly, if you’re in London, UK, you can head over to Borough Market and try their world-renowned Cooked Salt Beef on Rye sandwiches or Hot Salt Beef Bagels. They also offer joints of cooked salt beef that can be enjoyed at home. Their slow cooking process and unique mixture of salts, peppers, and sugar create a delicious flavor that is hard to resist.
No matter which option you choose, it’s important to remember that salt beef has a unique flavor that cannot be substituted with corned beef. So if you’re looking for that authentic taste, be sure to seek out true salt beef options.
Pre-Packaged Buckets
If you’re looking for a larger quantity of salt beef, pre-packaged buckets are a convenient option. One such option is the 6lb bucket of cured salted beef, which can be found online and shipped to your door.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, salt beef is often made at home by curing the meat in a brine solution for several days before boiling it. However, pre-packaged buckets provide a convenient alternative for those who may not have the time or resources to make it themselves.
It’s important to keep in mind that pre-packaged salt beef may not have the same authenticity and flavor as homemade salt beef. However, it can still be a delicious addition to traditional Newfoundland dishes or a unique ingredient in new recipes.
How To Cook Salt Beef
If you’ve never cooked salt beef before, don’t worry! It’s a simple process that requires a little patience, but the end result is well worth it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook salt beef:
1. Start by removing the salt beef from its packaging and patting it dry. Allow it to come up to room temperature by leaving it on the counter for an hour.
2. Place the salt beef in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, skimming away any foam or scum that rises to the surface. Once most of the foam has been removed, add in any additional ingredients such as onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
3. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let the salt beef cook for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, or until a fork can easily slide into the meat without resistance. Be sure to check on it every so often and top up the water if needed.
4. Once the meat is tender, turn off the heat and either leave it in the cooking liquid if you’re not ready to eat yet or use two forks to lift it out onto a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
5. When slicing, be sure to cut against the grain of the meat to prevent it from becoming tough. Salt beef is traditionally served in bagels or rye bread with pickles, mustard, sauerkraut, and even melted swiss cheese.
6. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to six weeks. If freezing, slice it first and wrap in baking parchment and foil before freezing.
Remember that cooking salt beef can have some variables and different methods may work better for different people. However, this guide provides a good starting point for those new to cooking salt beef. Enjoy!
