As a Newfoundlander living in Calgary one of the things I miss most is the unique flavor of salt beef. True salt-cured beef brisket has a tasty brininess that simply can’t be replicated with corned beef or other substitutes. Salt beef is an essential ingredient for traditional dishes like Jiggs Dinner, so finding sources for quality salt beef is a must. In this article, I’ll share the best places to buy authentic salt beef in Calgary to satisfy comfort food cravings.
What Makes Salt Beef Special?
Before getting into where to procure it let’s look at what makes salt beef special. While sometimes used interchangeably with corned beef the two are not the same. True salt beef is cured solely in a salt brine rather than the spices and sugars used for corning beef. This gives salt beef a uniquely concentrated, salty flavor. The brisket is also left in the curing brine for up to 10 days, allowing the salt to fully penetrate the meat. Salt beef provides the unmistakable salty-briny taste that Newfoundlanders love. No other meat can quite match its flavor.
Traditional Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner
One of the best ways to enjoy salt beef’s delicious flavor is in Jiggs Dinner. This hearty boiled dinner brings families together, especially on Sundays. The ingredients are simple – salt beef, carrots, turnips, potatoes, cabbage, pease pudding, and figgy duff for dessert. The salt beef is added to a pot of vegetables and boiled to create a wonderful pot liquor gravy. Mustard pickles, beets, and Worcestershire sauce are common condiments on the side. For an authentic Jiggs Dinner, you need authentic salt beef.
Where to Buy Salt Beef in Calgary
Calgary may be far from the east coast, but Newfoundlanders can still find authentic salt beef options here. The best places include
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Co-Op Grocery Stores – Check the refrigerated meat counter for packaged salt beef brisket.
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Mayfair Foods, Forest Lawn – Offers a pick-your-own salt beef section.
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The British Pantry – Specialty British and Irish products including salt beef.
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European Deli & Produce – European meats including salt beef options.
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Online Retailers – Companies like Newfoundland Specialties ship salt beef to Calgary.
Ask the butcher for cooking advice when you purchase your salt beef. It’s typically boiled for 2-3 hours with root vegetables to create a classic Jiggs Dinner.
Pick Your Own for Better Selection
For the freshest pick of salt beef cuts, head to Mayfair Foods in Forest Lawn. Their pick-your-own section lets you hand select the exact piece of brisket you want. This is ideal if you only need a small quantity or want to inspect the meat thoroughly. Pick-your-own offers control over getting the best quality cuts.
Get More with Bulk Buying
For larger families, buying a full side of beef offers the most salt beef for the money. Expect 150-200 pounds of meat from a whole side, with about a 60% usable yield after butchering. The beef can be custom cut to include preferred salt beef cuts like brisket. Vacuum sealing and freezing ensures the meat stays fresh for up to a year. Bulk buying salt beef in a side of beef is very cost effective.
Pre-Packaged Salt Beef for Convenience
Pre-packaged options allow for quick, convenient salt beef purchases. Cured salt beef buckets can be bought online and shipped directly. Just be aware that pre-packaged brisket may not have the same depth of flavor or quality as butcher-cut meat. However, it still makes traditional dishes like Jiggs Dinner possible for busy cooks.
Quick Tips for Cooking Salt Beef
Cooking salt beef is simple once you know the basics:
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Rinse and pat dry the brisket first.
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Simmer in a pot of water 2-3 hours until fork tender.
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Skim foam and add vegetables, spices in the last 30 minutes.
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Let rested meat absorb juices before slicing against the grain.
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Store leftovers in broth up to 3 days, or freeze up to 6 weeks.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to cook up authentic Jiggs Dinners and other traditional Newfoundland cuisine that is so satisfying.
The Unique Flavor of Salt Beef
Whether you grew up in Newfoundland or just appreciate unique flavors, searching out authentic salt beef is worth the effort. The salty brininess and deep umami taste simply can’t be replicated by any other ingredient. Salt beef brisket transformed through dry curing and long brining creates a one-of-a-kind flavor that brings traditional dishes like Jiggs Dinner to life.
In Calgary, look for salt beef at specialty grocers like Co-Op and The British Pantry. Talk to a butcher about bulk beef buying options for cost savings too. With the tips in this article, you’ll be enjoying the savory taste of salt beef in all your favorite Newfoundland comfort foods in no time. There’s no better cure for a craving of east coast cuisine.
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Where can I buy salt beef?
Save-Easy has it too, in pails, next to the bacon. Good luck finding salt beef like home though, just aint the same! Mayfair Foods in Forest Lawn has pick your own salt beef like back home. You don’t have to buy a bucket hoping for the best, you can see and pick what you want.
Where can I find the best beef in Calgary?
Your local Butcher Shop, featuring the finest Alberta beef, poultry, and naturally raised game meats prepared by master butchers at three Calgary locations.
What is the best meat store in Calgary?
The Better Butcher, Calgary’s premier meat store since 1995. Ethically-raised, locally-sourced meats expertly crafted for superior taste.
Does Mayfair Foods have salt beef?
Mayfair Foods in Forest Lawn has pick your own salt beef like back home. You don’t have to buy a bucket hoping for the best, you can see and pick what you want. If he can’t find salt beef, is he going to make an uncooked dinner? Update: OP found no salt beef, is now on raw food paleo diet.