The corned beef knot is a
binding knot
A binding knot is a knot that may be used to keep an object or multiple loose objects together, using a string or a rope that passes at least once around them. There are various binding knots, divided into two types. Friction knots are held i ...
usually made in small line or string. It gains its name by often being used for binding the
meat of the same name while it is being cooked. Since
corned beef
Corned beef, called salted beef in some Commonwealth countries, is a salt-cured brisket of beef. The term comes from the treatment of the meat with large-grained rock salt, also called "corns" of salt. Sometimes, sugar and spices are added to ...
shrinks during cooking, the knot needs to be tightened several times during the process.
Tying
A
buntline hitch
The buntline hitch is a knot used for attaching a rope to an object. It is formed by passing the working end around an object, then making a clove hitch around the rope's standing part and taking care that the turns of the clove hitch progress ...
is tied to the standing part and moderately tightened. The binding itself is tightened as the meat cooks by sliding the buntline hitch on the standing part. The knot is finished by a
half hitch
The half hitch is a simple List of hitch knots, hitch knot, where the Knot#Working end, working end of a line is brought over and under the Knot#Standing part, standing part. Insecure on its own, it is a valuable component of a wide variety of u ...
around the ''working end'' only after the meat has fully shrunk. It is considered more secure and suitable for this task than the related
packer's knot
The packer's knot is a binding knot which is easily pulled taut and quickly locked in position. It is most often made in small line or string, such as that used for hand baling, parcel tying, and binding roasts. This latter use, and its gener ...
.
[Clifford W. Ashley, ''The Ashley Book of Knots'' (New York: Doubleday, 1944), 37-38.]
See also
*
List of binding knots
A binding knot is a knot that may be used to keep an object or multiple loose objects together, using a string or a rope that passes at least once around them. There are various binding knots, divided into two types. Friction knots are held i ...
*
List of knots
This list of knots includes many alternative names for common knots and lashings. Knot names have evolved over time, and there are many conflicting or confusing naming issues. The overhand knot, for example, is also known as the thumb knot. The ...
References
External links
* http://notableknotindex.webs.com/butcherknots.html
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