National Brisket Day

A group of people gathered around a barbecue, smiling and enjoying a mouthwatering brisket feast, all wearing festive aprons and summer apparel.. — National brisket day illustration

Ahh, National Brisket Day, a day dedicated to the humble yet delicious cut of meat. A day we don't bawk bawk at but rather chomp down with gusto. Remember the excitement in the air on the 28th of May 2015? That, my dear readers, is the power of the brisket!

When is Brisket Day?

It's national brisket day on the 28th May.

A Love Letter to Brisket

Welcome to the delicious world of briskets, a world where the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked beef takes over your senses. This is not a world for those with a faint heart nor is it one for vegetarians. This world, my friends, celebrates National Brisket Day!

The internet, our ever reliable source of quirky national days, and our ever-filled belly doesn't disappoint us either. A massive peak of 2360 mentions were seen on 28th May 2015, creating a sort of Brisket-Mania across the web-verse.

Tasting History

Brisket is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of beef. It's a tough cut that loves a slow, languorous cooking method. The end result? A mouthwatering dish that's packed with umami goodness.

Celebrating National Brisket Day

How does one celebrate National Brisket Day, you ask? Well, by eating brisket of course! Maybe you slow cook it in a crockpot, or perhaps you smoke it using a barbeque pit. Any way you cook your brisket, make sure you enjoy the process because cooking brisket is not a race, it's a marathon.

How It All Started

As far as we can tell, National Brisket Day bobbed its way into our calendars via social media mentions and meat lovers couldn't resist jump into the bandwagon. Who can say no to a day of feasting on this luscious meat, after all?

History behind the term 'Brisket'

1775

Origins of the term 'brisket'

The term 'brisket' originates from the Dutch word 'brisket', which means 'breast' or 'chest'. It first appeared in the English language in 1775 and referred specifically to the cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of a cow or other large animal.

Mid-19th century

Brisket becomes popular in Jewish cuisine

During the mid-19th century, Jewish immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, including their love for slow-cooked, tender meat dishes. Brisket was an affordable cut of meat that could be cooked for a long time to achieve tenderness. Jewish immigrants incorporated brisket into their traditional dishes, such as the iconic 'brisket with carrots and potatoes', becoming a staple in Jewish cuisine.

Late 19th century

Texas-style smoked brisket emerges

In the late 19th century, German and Czech immigrants settled in Texas, bringing their own meat-smoking traditions with them. They discovered that smoking the tough, fatty meat of the brisket over low heat for several hours resulted in a tender, flavorful dish. This marked the birth of the famous Texas-style smoked brisket, which became a central element of Texan barbecue culture.

20th century

Brisket's popularity rises in American culture

Throughout the 20th century, brisket continued to gain popularity in American culture, beyond its Jewish and Texan roots. It became a cherished dish for festive occasions such as holidays, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues. Various regional variations of brisket recipes emerged, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions within the United States.