Period naval salt beef could be made from almost any available part of the cow, packed tightly into a barrel. Descriptions comparing its texture with wood refer to that poor-quality provision. A modern Reuben sandwich uses a better cut and careful preparation, so its tender salt beef can give students a misleading expectation of the naval ration. The joke that barrels of salt beef made crews eager to fish depends on how strongly sailors would want something better to eat.
Notable Point · 3:31-5:14
Why naval salt beef could resemble wood
Indiscriminate cuts and tight barrel packing help explain the contrast between tough naval salt beef and a modern delicatessen serving.