NATIONAL CORNED BEEF HASH DAY 2024 – September 27, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Observe
Fact
Importance
Dates

National Corned Beef Hash Day comes up every September 27, and we’re ecstatic to celebrate it the traditional way — with lots of tasty corned beef hash to share with our families and special friends! Due to limited fresh meat supply, corned beef hash became popular during World War II, as people invented creative recipes with vegetables, spices, and leftovers to ensure that food wasn’t wasted.

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.

NATIONAL CORNED BEEF HASH DAY timeline

17th Century

Diarist Relishes Rabbit Hash

English diarist Samuel Pepys pens a commending piece about a rabbit hash.

19th Century

Hash Arrives in the U.S.

Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from northern Europe bring corned beef hash with them to the U.S.

20th Century

WWI Soldiers Eat Corned Beef Hash

Corned beef hash is served at garrisons and field kitchens to troops during World War I.

1950

Canned Corned Beef Hash

Hormel Foods introduces canned corned beef hash and roast beef hash.

NATIONAL CORNED BEEF HASH DAY FAQs

Why is corned beef hash so bad for you?

While it’s a good source of protein, saturated fats, and nutrients such as iron, sodium, and vitamin B12, corned beef is also classified as a potential carcinogen. Consuming corned beef and other processed meat regularly may increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 18%.

What’s the history of corned beef hash?

Although history traces the advent of corned beef hash on American soil to the 19th-century Ashkenazi Jews, the classic American corned beef hash is credited to New England residents in the United States who saw the meal as a means to use up leftovers from dinner. Corned beef hash is also commonly served on St. Patrick’s Day, as well as around American Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Why do they call it corned beef hash?

Corned beef hash actually contains no corn. Rather, corned beef derives its name from the large grains or ‘corns’ of rock salt used to brine beef to eliminate moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria.

NATIONAL CORNED BEEF HASH DAY Activities

Make your own corned beef hash

There are many different corned beef hash recipes on the internet. One of the best ways to celebrate the essence of National Corned Beef Hash Day is to assemble a meal from what you have in your cupboards or fridge.
Go out for corned beef hash

See if your favorite eat-out offers corned beef hash and indulge. If not, google ‘corned beef hash near me’ and see what pops up. You’ll be amazed at the many options you have. Check reviews and go for the one you love the most.
Share with someone special

Corned beef hash is simply a work of art — what you come up with is up to the ingredients you have, and, of course, your creativity. A great way to celebrate this day is to share corned beef hash with the special people in your life — family, a partner, or friends.

5 Exciting Facts About Corned Beef Hash

Lincoln enjoyed it

President Abraham Lincoln had corned beef and cabbage for dinner after his inauguration.
Loved by President Cleveland

President Grover Cleveland once exchanged his meal for corned beef and cabbage from the White House servants’ quarters.
Not a favorite Irish dinner

Corned beef is not considered an Irish dinner favorite, and its connection with St. Patrick’s Day is mainly from Irish-American culture.
Simply nutritious

Corned beef is high in protein and saturated fat, and it’s a great source of numerous vitamins and minerals.
Best consumed irregularly

You should eat corned beef and other processed red meat just once in a while because it may increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Why We Love NATIONAL CORNED BEEF HASH DAY

It reduces food waste

Corned beef hash simply came about as a way to prevent food waste by using up leftovers. Our ancestors tapped into their creative side to enjoy this delicious dish during a time of scarcity and prevalent food rationing.
No strict rules

While many other dishes have strict rules and take time to prepare and master, there are simply no rules stating what specific ingredients should go into your corned beef hash. It was a meal popularized during the war when people couldn’t follow strict recipes and had no access to every ingredient they needed for luxurious meals.
It’s time to experiment

Since there are no rules, there’s no limit to creativity. It’s time to work with leftovers, spices, and herbs around you to cook up something delicious and nutritious. We promise you’ll have a whole lot of fun!