What are the best storage conditions for corned beef?

Corned beef is essentially cured beef brisket. It is soaked in a pickling brine, which is salt water solution with extra spices to give the corned beef it's unique flavor. After it is cured for the designated length of time, it is usually rinsed and thouroughly cooked. Unlike the previous answer's implication, not all corned beef is canned. Many prepackaged corned beef briskets purchased in stores today require cooking. Once cooked, corned beef should be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator. The rule of thumb is, cold foods need to stay cold (below 40 degrees F) and hot foods need to stay hot ( above 140 degrees F). When transitioning from cold to hot and vice versa, you want to make the transition as rapidly as possible. In other words, ice baths and microwaves are your friend. Keep it in the fridge until needed and you'll be fine. Most cured meats such as corned beef, pastrami, smoked turkey, etc, should keep at least a week if refrigerated properly.