Foods of the United States World Foods

Our 1st Settlers: Native Americans Philosophy was to live in harmony with nature. Relied on Hunting, Fishing, and Gathering Early pioneers in food technology: dried corn kernels for winter smoked meats froze perishable foods Immigrants such as British, Spanish, and Dutch moved to the US and blended their foods and spices with the Native Americans to form new dishes native to the US.

The Northeast (New England) States: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island Seafood and small game are main protein sources. Food Examples: Cornbreads, baked beans, seafood, chowders, stews, etc. Tastes: hearty, filling foods

The Mid-Atlantic States: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland Settled mainly by the Dutch, who were excellent farmers and bakers. The Pennsylvania Dutch made many inventive new dishes by not wasting any scraps of food. Food Examples: beef tongue, chicken corn soup, sauerbraten, noodle dumplings, and shoofly pie.

The South States: West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida Corn is a main staple in southern cooking

The South 3 Popular types of Southern Food: Soul Food: Influence came about during the time of slavery. Slaves were often given the less appealing scraps of food leftover that they had to make tasty. Food Examples: cornbread, hush puppies, chitterlings (chitlin’s), turnip greens Creole Cuisine: Combination of French, African, Caribbean, Spanish and Native American cultures. Food Examples: Gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, beignets, pralines Cajun Cuisine: Food native to southern Louisiana Similar food to creole, but uses less expensive ingredients such as crawfish, okra, andouille sausage, etc.

The Midwest States: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma Called the “Bread Basket ” of the nation because of it is one of the world’s most agriculturally productive regions. Food is very hearty and uncomplicated. Food Examples: roast beef, potatoes, corn on the cob, coleslaw, apple pie, brownies, bacon, eggs, pancakes

The West & Southwest States: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Beef is a major staple in Western cooking. Because cowboys were on the trail, foods were often roasted, barbequed, or stewed, methods still existing today. Mexican culture began to blend with Texas cooking creating “Tex-Mex” which includes tamales, tacos, tostadas, and tortillas. Food Examples: BBQ, steaks, biscuits, chili, stews

The Pacific Coast (Northwest) States: California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska Settlers found an abundant food supply of natural resources such as seafood, and game. Immigrants and sea trade brought influences from China, Japan and Korea making dishes like chop suey popular. Food Examples: Sourdough bread, salmon, caribou, crab, oysters, fruit

Hawaiian Islands State: Hawaii Rich soil and warm climate offer tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, pineapple and bananas. Luaus are elaborate feasts that consist of a whole pig being roasted in a in-ground pit called an imu. Many other traditional dishes are served along with entertainment such as hula dancing. Food Examples: poi, tropical fruits, macadamia nuts, seafood, shellfish, rice, pineapples