Is Purefoods Corned Beef Ready to Eat? A Complete Guide

Corned beef is a popular canned meat product commonly used in meals like breakfast corned beef hash. While delicious, many wonder if canned corned beef like Purefoods is ready to eat right out of the can or if it requires additional preparation first. In this article, we’ll take a complete look at Purefoods corned beef and answer the question – is it ready to eat?

What is Purefoods Corned Beef?

Purefoods is a brand name of canned corned beef that is popular in the Philippines and exported to other countries around the world. It is manufactured by San Miguel Foods, one of the largest food conglomerates in the Philippines.

Purefoods corned beef is made from beef brisket that has been brined or “corned” – a process that uses large amounts of rock salt to preserve the meat. The corned beef is then cooked in the can until tender. The final product is a tasty, convenient, and shelf-stable canned meat.

Purefoods corned beef comes in a few different sized cans. There is a 170g “Regular” can, a 340g “Big” can, and a 395g “Jumbo” can. The corned beef has a fine, minced texture and is flavored with beef broth for added taste.

Is Purefoods Corned Beef Fully Cooked?

Yes, Purefoods corned beef is fully cooked inside the can during the manufacturing process. This means it can be eaten directly from the can without any additional cooking required.

The USDA requires that all canned corned beef products be thermally processed at high enough temperatures and for long enough time to destroy any harmful bacteria that may be present,

Purefoods, like all other commercial canned corned beef brands, follows these regulations closely The production process involves cooking the corned beef brisket inside the sealed cans at temperatures of 240°F to 250°F for a minimum of 90-100 minutes

This high heat thermal processing ensures the corned beef reaches an internal temperature high enough to kill all pathogenic bacteria and make the product shelf-stable and safe to consume directly from the can.

Is It Safe to Eat Purefoods Corned Beef Raw?

Because Purefoods corned beef is fully cooked during the canning process, it can be safely eaten straight out of the can without cooking.

However, most people find the taste and texture more palatable when the corned beef is briefly pan-fried, sautéed, or otherwise heated. The light cooking improves flavor and makes the minced meat more cohesive.

Nevertheless, the corned beef is technically ready to eat and safe for consumption directly from the can.

How to Tell if Purefoods Corned Beef is Bad or Spoiled

While commercially canned corned beef has a shelf life of 2-5 years if stored properly, it’s always important to inspect it for spoilage before eating. Here are some tips for checking if your Purefoods corned beef has gone bad:

• Check the can – Look for any bulges, cracks, pinholes, or damage to the can itself. Even minor dents can be a sign of food spoilage. Don’t eat from damaged cans.

• Check the expiration date – Purefoods stamps a “Best Before” date on their cans. Don’t eat expired corned beef.

• Check for off odors – When you open the can, sniff for foul, sulfurous, or very unpleasant odors. Fresh corned beef has a mild savory smell.

• Check the color – Un spoiled corned beef is pink to light brown. Gray, green, or dark brown discoloration indicates spoilage.

• Check the texture – Good corned beef will be moist and tender. Spoiled meat will be extra soft and slimy.

If you notice any of these signs, throw the can away. Consuming spoiled canned meats can cause serious food poisoning.

Does Purefoods Corned Beef Need to be Refrigerated After Opening?

An unopened can of Purefoods corned beef is shelf stable and does not require refrigeration. However, once you open the can, it’s best to transfer any unused portions to a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Like any cooked meat product, corned beef is susceptible to bacteria growth if left unrefrigerated for too long after opening. For optimal freshness and food safety, use opened canned meats within 3-4 days.

Tightly cover leftover corned beef and refrigerate to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and other pathogens. Properly stored in the fridge, opened Purefoods corned beef can last 4-7 days.

How Long Does Purefoods Corned Beef Last When Opened?

As mentioned above, Purefoods corned beef will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator once opened. Make sure to transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf.

Here are some guidelines for maximizing the shelf life of opened canned corned beef:

• 3-5 days in the fridge in a sealed container
• 6-8 months in the freezer in an airtight container
• Does NOT last long at room temperature – eat within 4 hours
• Look for signs of spoilage like mold, oozing liquids, or foul odors

Properly storing opened canned meats is important for food safety. Follow the refrigeration times for enjoying Purefoods and other corned beef brands without worry.

How to Use Purefoods Corned Beef

Now that you know it’s ready to eat straight from the can, how do you like to serve Purefoods corned beef? Here are some popular ways to eat this versatile canned meat:

• Corned Beef Hash – Dice and pan fry with potatoes and onions for a hearty breakfast.

• Sandwiches – Layer slices on bread or buns for a quick lunch or snack.

• Eggs – Top omelets, breakfast burritos, or scrambles.

• Salads – Toss chunks into pasta, potato, tuna, or leafy green salads.

• Pizza – Add minced corned beef as a tasty topping.

• Pasta – Mix with tomato sauce and noodles or pasta shells.

• Nachos – Sprinkle over tortilla chips and add cheese, salsa, etc.

• Baked Potatoes – Ladle corned beef over a baked potato along with cheese, bacon, sour cream.

So easy to prepare, Purefoods corned beef takes meals from bland to brilliant in minutes. Keep a few cans in your pantry for quick protein any time.

Is Purefoods Corned Beef Gluten-Free?

Purefoods corned beef contains only beef, water, salt, sodium nitrite, and seasoning. It does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. The brand’s frequently asked questions page also states that their corned beef products are gluten-free.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Purefoods corned beef is generally safe to consume as part of a gluten-free diet. However, it’s always smart to check the can’s ingredient list to confirm it is gluten-free, as manufacturing can change.

Common Questions about Purefoods Corned Beef

Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about this popular canned meat:

Is Purefoods corned beef non-GMO? Yes, Purefoods states their corned beef is non-GMO, or not genetically modified.

Is Purefoods corned beef halal? No, Purefoods confirms their corned beef is not halal or permissible under Islamic dietary laws.

Is Purefoods from Australia or USA? No, Purefoods corned beef is manufactured in the Philippines by San Miguel Foods.

Where is Purefoods corned beef made? It is made in the Philippines.

Is Purefoods corned beef high in cholesterol? Yes, like most beef products, it contains high amounts of cholesterol. Limit intake if concerned about blood cholesterol levels.

The Verdict on Purefoods Corned Beef

With its salty, umami flavor and convenient minced texture, Purefoods brand is a kitchen staple in the Philippines and around the world. Keep a few cans in your pantry for when you need an easy protein boost. Look for it next to other canned meats like Spam, deviled ham, and Vienna sausages.