Where can I find Freirich fine meat products?

Freirich meats are sold in the finest supermarkets and delicatessens. You may contact our customer service representatives at 1-800-221-1315 for the store nearest you. You may also visit our “Where to Buy” page on this web site.

Is the Freirich Smoked Porkette^® fully cooked?

No. The Porkette is heated during the smoking process, but is not fully cooked. Please follow the safe handling instructions on the package and thoroughly cook the meat before eating.

Where is the spice packet?

Freirich Corned Beef does not require the addition of any spices. All the spices typically found in a spice packet have already been formulated into our meat. We do provide some retail stores with product containing a spice packet, but the packet is only there because of consumer expectation, not because it is needed. Common spices found in packets include: mustard seed, coriander, bay leaves, dill seed, and allspice.

What is Sodium Nitrite?

Sodium Nitrite is an ingredient, approved by the USDA/FDA, which has long been used as a safe curing agent in the processing of certain meats. Sodium nitrite is an effective antimicrobial agent for certain pathogens, particularly Clostridium botulinum. In the event that cured meats are temperature abused, sodium nitrite provides a degree of protection by delaying outgrowth of spores. Nitrite also functions as an antioxidant in cured meat.

How do I cook my Corned Beef?

Corned Beef can be prepared in many ways. The recipe section of this web site offers detailed cooking instructions and recipes.

What is Sodium Lactate?

Sodium Lactate is an ingredient approved by the USDA/FDA as an antimicrobial agent for Listeria, a potentially harmful bacteria sometimes present on fully cooked deli meats.

Why is there so much fat on your Corned Beef?

Traditional Corned Beef is made from the whole brisket. The brisket is actually made up of several muscles connected by fatty tissue. It is also much fattier on one end (the point) than the other (the flat). We trim and portion the brisket to eliminate most of this fat, however, some fat will always remain. In general, our more economical Thick Cut is made from the point end and will contain more fat than our premium Thin Cut. Many consumers value some fat because of the extra flavor it imparts.

What is Sodium Erythorbate?

Sodium Erythorbate is an ingredient approved by the USDA/FDA and used as a color fixative in preparing cured meats. Erythorbate is NOT earthworms. Perhaps the spelling or pronunciation has contributed to this urban myth.

Why do Freirich fine meats taste so much better than other brands?

The Freirich family has been making quality meats in the old world tradition since 1921. Many of our traditional family recipes have remained unchanged to this day. We use only the freshest and highest quality meats and ingredients, never compromising our quality for convenience an extra buck. All our meats are hand trimmed by experienced butchers according to our high standards. We never use fillers, soy extenders, or flavor enhancers like HVP or MSG in our quality Corned Beef and deli meats.

What is Sodium Phosphate?

Sodium Phosphate is an ingredient approved by the USDA/FDA and used to achieve natural moisture retention and flavor protection in processed meats. Phosphates can reduce oxidation, help retain marinade and cook juices, preserve color, and lend freeze/thaw stability.

Why do we eat Corned Beef on St. Patrick's Day?

Originally “Corned Beef and Cabbage” was a traditional dish served for Easter Sunday dinner in rural Ireland. The beef, which was salted or brined during winter to preserve it, could then be eaten after the long, meatless Lenten fast. Since the advent of refrigeration, the trend in Ireland is to eat fresh meats. Today this peasant dish is more popular in the United States than in Ireland. Irish-Americans and lots of other people eat it on St. Patrick's Day, Ireland's principal feast day, as a nostalgic reminder of their Irish heritage.

What are Natural Flavorings?

Ingredients such as ginger, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, celery powder, and garlic oil may be listed as Natural Flavorings. They may be designated as "natural flavors" because they are substances used chiefly for flavor. They do not make a nutritional contribution, are not derived from an animal species, and there are no health concerns linked to them. Freirich uses the term Natural Flavorings on its ingredient labels to protect the trade secrets that make Freirich meats so tasty.

What is the proper way to store my Corned Beef?

Uncooked corned beef in a pouch with pickling juices which has a "sell-by" date or no date may be stored 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator, unopened. Products with a "use-by" date can be stored unopened in the refrigerator until that date. Drained and tightly wrapped (Saran™ wrap works best), an uncooked corned beef brisket may be frozen for 1 month for best quality. It's recommended to drain the excess brine because salt encourages rancidity and texture changes. The flavor and texture will diminish with prolonged freezing, but the product is still safe. After cooking, corned beef may be refrigerated for about 3 to 4 days and frozen for about 2 to 3 months for best quality.

Are your products Gluten Free?

All Freirich Corned Beef and deli meats are Gluten Free. Some of our specialty flavored marinated meats may contain Gluten. We encourage you to check the specific ingredients listed on our labels or on this website, or you may contact our customer service representatives at 1-800-221-1315 for assistance.

What is Papain?

Lower quality meats are often enhanced with Papain, an enzyme extracted from the tropical fruit Papaya, in an effort to artificially tenderize the tougher cuts of meat. Some people can develop and allergy to the enzyme. Freirich does not, has not, and never will use Papain in its quality meats. We prefer to use higher quality USDA Choice cuts of beef for our product which provide more tenderness naturally.

Do your products contain Allergens?

All our Traditional Corned Beef and delicatessen meats are free of the eight major food allergens ( milk, egg, fish, crustacean shell fish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soybeans). Our Traditional Corned Beef does contain trace amounts of Mustard. Some of our flavored marinated meats may contain allergens. We encourage you to check the specific ingredients listed on our labels or on this web site for the product and allergen of concern, or you may contact our customer service representatives at 1-800-221-1315 for assistance.