Southern Food Heritage Day – October 11, 2022, history, significance
Every year, Southern Food Heritage Day is celebrated on October 11. The Southern Food & Beverage Museum celebrates the culturally rich and delicious food of the Southern States in America. The cuisine deserves to be recognized and celebrated officially because it is a testament to American history and legacy. Southern food also represents the essence of America —
the coming together of a variety of people from all over the world, each bringing with themselves their own ingredients and recipes to create a unique cuisine. Iced tea, pickled shrimps, and fried chicken are some of the most loved Southern foods throughout history. Along with the cuisine, the day also celebrates the racial and ethnic diversity in America.
History of Southern Food Heritage Day
Founded by the Southern Food and Beverage Museum located in New Orleans, Louisiana, this day raises a glass in toast to the unique heritage and history of food that comes from the southern parts of the United States.
The food that hails from the American South offers a unique blend of cultural history that includes Native Americans as well as the British, French, and Spanish influences that were brought along during settlement. In addition, Africans who were transplanted through slavery had a strong influence on the way cuisine in the American South developed.
Many foods that are associated with Southern Food Heritage Day include squash, tomatoes and corn, which were native to the region, as well as those dish ideas that were imported, such as black eyed peas, okra, eggplant, and melons.
Offering a chance for people from the south to reconnect with their heritage and those from other places to learn about it, Southern Food Heritage Day is ready to be celebrated!
SOUTHERN FOOD HERITAGE DAY TIMELINE
1860
Southern Diet Expands
Following the emancipation from slavery, the Southern diet becomes versatile.
1916
The Great Migration
African Americans travel from rural communities in the South to large cities in the North and West — they carry their cuisine with them.
1940s
Southern Foods in Restaurants
Southern foods start appearing on restaurant menus and appeal to a diverse clientele.
1964
Soul Food
This term, describing everyday Southern food, first appears in print.
HOW TO CELEBRATE SOUTHERN FOOD HERITAGE DAY
Organize a cook-off
Gather all your friends and organize a cook-off on Southern Food Heritage Day. Revive old recipes or add a twist to create something new.
Go out for a meal
Enjoy the best of Southern foods at your favorite Southern foods restaurant. Don’t forget to enjoy the classics like fried chicken, hush pies, and pies.
Set up a barbecue
Barbecues are an integral part of the Southern food heritage. It is also one of the most popular styles of cooking. Barbecue your favorite meats and vegetables, and serve them with sauces and seasonings.
5 FACTS ABOUT SOUTHERN FOODS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
Redeye gravy has a unique recipe
Redeye gravy is made with pan drippings and leftover coffee.
It is more calorie-dense
Southern fried chicken breast typically has more than 400 calories in an ounce.
Peanut butter is an essential
Half the annual crop of peanuts is used to make peanut butter.
Collard green has been around forever
It’s been a part of our diet for more than 2,000 years.
Black-eyed peas are also good luck charms
It is believed that black-eyed peas bring good luck on New Year’s Day.
WHY WE LOVE SOUTHERN FOOD HERITAGE DAY
A day to indulge
You cannot celebrate Southern Food Heritage Day without enjoying a hearty meal of your favorite foods. This is truly a day of indulgence!
Try something new
The best thing about Southern food is that it has something for everyone. Use this day to try a new food item or the cuisine of Southern heritage. Who knows, you might just discover your next favorite dish!
It is historically significant
Southern foods have a rich cultural and historical significance. Learn more about the origins of your favorite foods on Southern Food Heritage Day.
