Corned beef and cabbage is a classic St. Patrick’s Day meal, especially in America. But is it really Irish? The tradition has origins steeped in Irish-American immigrant history and the cross-cultural exchange with other ethnic groups. Here’s the story behind why we eat corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Corned Beef’s Irish History
Corned beef gets its name from the large “corns” or grains of salt used to cure the meat. This salting and brining process both preserves and tenderizes a relatively tough cut of beef brisket.
In Ireland, beef was historically considered a luxury. Cattle were valued more for their milk and dairy than meat. Pork was the most common protein, usually as cured and salted pork like bacon. Only wealthier classes consumed fresh beef.
By the 17th century, Ireland was exporting large quantities of salted beef to England and Europe. The British Cattle Acts in the 1600s prohibited export of live cattle from Ireland, creating a surplus of affordable beef for preservation as corned beef. Irish ports like Cork became centers of the corned beef trade, provisioning the British navy and American colonies.
However, while they produced corned beef, most Irish continued eating inexpensive cured pork. Fresh beef and corned beef remained outside the means of the average Irish person’s diet.
How Corned Beef Became Irish-American
The association with corned beef as an Irish national food developed among Irish immigrants in America. Unable to afford beef back home, the influx of modestly prosperous Irish immigrants could now purchase corned beef. At the time, beef was prohibitively expensive in Ireland but now affordable for working-class Irish in cities like New York.
In particular, newly arrived Irish immigrants bought corned beef from Jewish butchers and delis. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe brought their own corned beef traditions to America. Differing from salty Irish corned beef packed in barrels, Jewish corned beef was fresher and typically made from more tender brisket.
Since they settled into neighboring urban immigrant communities, Irish immigrants readily took to purchasing corned beef from Jewish butchers. The specification of Jewish preparation aligned with kosher dietary laws. What we now recognize as Irish corned beef is essentially Jewish-style corned beef consumed by Irish immigrants.
Addition of Cabbage and Potatoes
The rest of the classic St. Patrick’s Day meal also stemmed from Irish-American immigrant life. Cabbage was an inexpensive vegetable available year round. Potatoes were of course already a staple food of the traditional Irish diet.
Faced with social and economic discrimination, Irish immigrants relied on affordable ingredients to feed their families. Corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes could sustain impoverished immigrant communities. Although not authentic to Old World Irish cuisine, the meal took hold among the diaspora in America.
As Irish-American culture developed, corned beef and cabbage came to symbolize heritage and identity. It was hearty, filling food that provided comfort in a new homeland. The inexpensive dish stretched to feed entire neighborhoods for festivities.
Corned Beef and St. Patrick’s Day
Corned beef and cabbage grew synonymous with March 17th for several reasons:
- Early Irish-American immigrants were largely Catholic and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day as a religious and cultural occasion.
- It was a rare occasion when Irish-Americans could celebrate and flaunt their heritage at a time when anti-Irish discrimination prevailed.
- March 17th fell during Lent, when Catholics traditionally ate modest meatless meals. Corned beef provided an indulgent exception.
- The Irish could now afford a expensive meal reserved for special events.
Such factors made corned beef an ideal centerpiece for this annual ethnic celebration. As Irish-Americans asserted their identity, corned beef and cabbage became etched in the American zeitgeist as the St. Patrick’s Day supper.
By the early 20th century, corned beef had eclipsed bacon, lamb, and other meats consumed in Ireland to become a national symbol of Irish heritage, both for Irish-Americans and associative tradition. Although not an authentic Irish dish per se, it retains nostalgia for Irish-American history and culture. It remains customary to enjoy corned beef and cabbage on March 17th to celebrate Irish pride and commemorate immigration.
Modern St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
Interestingly, many long-established St. Patrick’s Day rituals like parades were largely American inventions later adopted in Ireland. Since the 1970s, more Americanized celebrations caught on in Ireland to promote tourism and business. Nonetheless, corned beef and cabbage remains mostly unique to abroad.
While Americans feast on corned beef and cabbage, the Irish eat Irish bacon or lamb for St. Patrick’s Day. That said, some Irish pubs cater to tourist expectations by adding corned beef and cabbage to menus.
In the homeland, St. Patrick’s Day continues to have religious and family focus. But influences from the global Irish diaspora have shaped contemporary celebrations. The story of corned beef reveals the lasting impact Irish-Americans have had on how their ancestral country observes St. Patrick’s Day today.