Thanks for all of the suggestions, I've not considered the brands!! I've moved three time in the last 3.5 years, so different grocery stores. I had a commissary in Maryland and was making a really nice CB up there. It was the whole thing, not just the flat cut, like the fat :). Then in FL I bought at Publix and here in NC there is Farm Fresh. There is a TJ's an hour North of me, along with Target and an actual mall. Also some commissaries in Norfolk. I'll start paying attention to the brand. I've always wanted to wash off the brisket, but thought I was supposed to keep it. I dislike that nasty floating stuff that it creates, from now on I'll be washing it off!!! Christy

DC, I do something similar with our corned beef. My husband is on a salt-restricted diet, but he & I dearly love corned beef. So when it's on sale for St. Patrick's Day, I get a hunk and soak it for two days, changing the water at least 2 times a day. Then I cook it in fresh water in my slow cooker. Once the water comes to a simmer/boil in the slow cooker, I change the water again. I know I'm losing flavor, but these are necessary steps for his health's sake. Yet in spite of all that water, the corned beef tastes pretty good -- much milder than regular but tasty nonetheless. So we can enjoy a corned beef & cabbage dinner and corned beef sandwiches for lunch the next day. And no swollen, painful feet or congested lungs from over indulging.

I know this is an old post but def relevant. I do rinse mine...no problem. Plenty of flavor. I posted this before, but this has been my go-to method for corned beef for years (courtesy of the Silver Palate duo). Always delish. Corned Beef and Cabbage (Serves 4-6) 1 corned beef (5-6 pounds...I prefer a flat cut) 2 onions, studded with 3 whole cloves (can be halved or quartered; cloves optional) 4 carrots, peeled and halved 2 ribs celery, halved 4 sprigs Italian parsle 1 green cabbage (about 3 pounds), cut into 6 wedges (See *Note below) 12 small red new potatoes 6 small leeks (white part and 2 inches of green), well rinsed (See *Note below) 6 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch lengths Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste 4 T. chopped Italian parsley Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, halved carrots, celery, and parsley sprigs (use seasoning packet if provided with your corned beef). Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 3/4 to 3 hours, turning beef over in broth every 30 minutes. DO NOT allow water to boil again; keeping at low simmer will ensure tenderness. When it is very tender, remove it from kettle and keep warm. Strain the broth and return it to the kettle. Add the cabbage, potatoes, leeks, cut-up carrots, salt and pepper, and 2 T. of the chopped parsley. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender, 30 minutes. Arrange beef on warmed serving plater, and surround it with the cooked vegetables. Ladle broth over beef and vegetables, and sprinkle with remaining 2 T. chopped parsley *Note: Keeping the core in the cabbage wedges will help hold them together while cooking. Remove the core before serving. After thoroughly washing, leeks can be tied together with kitchen twine/string; remove for serving. Horseradish Cream Sauce (Optional but tasty) This makes 2 cups of sauce. Easy to reduce if needed. 3/4 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup prepared horseradish, drained 2 T. Dijon mustard Pinch of sugar Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste Whip cream in bowl until it forms soft peaks. Combine mayonnaise, horseradish, and mustard in another bowl. Fold in whipped cream. Add sugar, salt and pepper. Stir well, and transfer to serving bowl.

The soup turned out delicious. I made basically "Corned beef and cabbage soup." Added navy beans, and then potatoes, carrots, celery, onion and cabbage. Unsalted beef broth and a little Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning. Chopped the corned beef up fine. No need for additional salt! The corned beef softened up, it tasted great. Looking at the photo, I realize I also threw in a bit of leftover fresh spinach, chopped. Gotta eat those greens!