National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

Corned beef, a cut similar to brisket, is a meat that is salted, cured and sliced. But is it of Irish origins? Well, yes and no. The tradition of corned beef and cabbage was likely started by Irish people, but not until after they were immigrants to the United States. In fact, beef was not really a part of the diet for most Irish people in the past, and they were more likely to have enjoyed pork bacon or salted pork.

Technically, this means that corned beef and cabbage is an American cuisine! Or, Irish-American to be exact. And, in the US at least, this meal still has strong associations with St. Patrick’s Day, which is why the two are celebrated together in the middle of the month of March. Welcome to National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day!

History of National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

It is likely that the tradition of the meal behind Corned Beef and Cabbage Day probably started in the late 19th century when Irish Immigrants needed to make substitutes from the pork they were accustomed to in their homeland. It probably wasn’t until the 1950s or 1960s that corned beef began to be associated with people from Ireland. That association naturally blended in with St. Patrick’s Day and the two joined together in celebration!

Though a person would be unlikely to find corned beef and cabbage on St. Paddy’s Day if they went to Ireland, most Irish Americans enjoy the dish and eat it in celebration of the day. In fact, even many Americans who aren’t of Irish descent will enjoy participating in this day with the traditional fare. Restaurants often put it on the menu just for the occasion. Other folks might make it at home–and it’s a delightful way to feed a crowd.

However it is enjoyed, corned beef and cabbage is a perfect way to bring in some Irish-American tradition–on St. Patrick’s Day or really any day of the year!

Now it’s time to find ways to celebrate National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day!

How to Celebrate National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

Check out some of these ideas for enjoying and celebrating National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day:

Enjoy Eating Corned Beef and Cabbage

Whether making it at home, picking it up from a delicatessen, or ordering it at an Irish-American pub, the best way to celebrate National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day is by enjoying a plateful of this delicious dish. Grab a friend or family member to enjoy it with, or make it a big party with a whole crew!

Learn How to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage

In celebration of National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day, making this dish starts with the brisket cut of beef, best sourced from a local butcher. Corned beef can be cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker and it usually takes a couple or a few hours, depending on the size of the piece of meat. Cabbage, as well as other vegetables like potatoes and carrots, can be cooked up just 15-30 minutes prior to serving. Delicious!