NATIONAL CORNED BEEF HASH DAY – September 27, 2024

History of NATIONAL CORNED BEEF HASH DAY

While Corned Beef Hash Day is an important food holiday paying homage to this special dish, which has somehow emerged as a common American staple, it actually means so much more. This day celebrates food conservation and preservation. Corned beef hash was a meal that grew popular during a time of ravaging food scarcity, and this day serves as a reminder to prevent food wastage and become creative with leftover food and some ingredients.

The exact origin of corned beef hash is quite unclear. Some historical sources claim that there’s a 14th-century English recipe for a particular dish called ‘hache’ or ‘hachy’ and that some 17th-century works of literature also mention ‘hash.’ It’s also believed that Jewish immigrants from northern Europe (Ashkenazi Jews) brought corned beef hash to the U.S. in the late 19th century, and since then, the recipes have become a common American staple.

Although the term ‘hash’ comes from the French word ‘hacher,’ which means ‘to chop,’ corned beef hash is known in different cultures by different names. Corned beef derives its name from the addition of grain-sized kernels of salt (‘corn’) to meat as a way to remove moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria. The name ‘hash’ was originally used to refer to dishes where leftover meat was just sliced, but not chopped. However, now, ‘hash’ consists mainly of chopped or diced meat, spices, onions, and potatoes.

Corned beef hash is not only ideal as a breakfast food but it can also be served at lunch or dinner with a salad or eggs. In the U.S., chefs are known for creating different variations of corned beef hash. Some restaurants serve hash and other similar dishes with baked beans, eggs, toast, and hollandaise sauce.