I know I’m not the first to see this map, but I really do think it’s interesting! It’s a map of what food each state is best known for… let’s take a looksy:
(You may have to click on it to get a bigger, better view)
I started by looking at my home state of Georgia. Peaches. Yup, that’s pretty hard to argue with. However, my current home, North Carolina, is best known for Dry Barbeque. Hmmm…
I know NC has some great BBQ, but as far as dry rub goes, the best dry rub I’ve ever had was in Memphis at a little place called Rendezvous. Ever been there? YUM.
Some other thoughts as I browse the states…
- shouldn’t California just have a giant wine bottle over it?
- Utah… green Jello? Really?
- Montana, I’ll never live there. Ever. Ew.
What is your state best know for? And do you agree?
or
If you had to choose a state to live in and eat only that food, which state would you choose?
I’d hop on the next cruise to Alaska- I love me some CRAB LEGS!!! 🙂
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
Ohh I just saw Hungry Runner Girl (from Utah) talk about how much jello she and her state eats.. I never knew that though.
I understand OH and PA — philly cheesesteaks and skyline chilli
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I agree with all of my “homes”: Pennsylvania…totally the cheesesteak, although that is really only Philly. I think PA actually is the highest producer of mushrooms in the country (my hometown was the mushroom capital of the world for awhile…). Virginia ham? Definitely. Texas beef? Of course.]
By the way, you are totally going to be seeing what look like copycat posts over here in The Smart Kitchen soon. I swear, I didn’t plan it. Imitation = flattery? 🙂
Christine @ Merf In Progress says
Virginia. Ham. Ew.
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
New York (where I grew up) is known for pizza – the city, yes, the other HUGE part of the state, not so much, haha. But I love pizza so I am all for that 🙂
Mass. (where I live now) is known for clam chowder – I’ve never been a fan, but totally true. New Englanders love their seafood!
Kristin says
Boo on the cheesesteak for my home state of Pennsylvania – As Sarah pointed out above, that’s just for Philly. What about the rest of the state? They’re missing Penn State Creamery ice cream and grilled stickies, Pittsburgh Primanti’s sandwichies and pierogies, and countless others. None of which appear to be healthy, however… ahem.
I was surprised to see popcorn for my current state of Indiana – I know it’s because of Orville Redenbacher, but I would have guessed pork tenderloin – those sandwiches are absolutely everywhere…
I’m with you, though – give me some all-you-can-eat crablegs!! (Maybe with some clam chowder on the side??)
Jess @atasteofconfidence says
NY is known for pizza, which I guess I kind of agree with- but I hate how the entire state is characterized by NYC!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
Virginia and ham go together like, well, Virginia and ham. But dont’ forget about their peanuts.
Oh, I’m totally in Vermont for the ice cream – that’s my pick.
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
I am orginally from MD and yes, we are definitely known for blue crab! Which I could eat all.of.the.time! yum! Now that I live in TX, hmmm, it says steak…but I feel you can get a good steak anywhere…I think TX is better known for Mexian and BBQ.
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says
Well…California is a big state…with different climates. Not all are suited for vineyards, really. 😛
When I think of my home state of California, I think of avocados. We love the avocado here. Frankly, almost any piece of produce makes me think of California. We can grow almost anything all year round. Strawberries in the dead of winter? Sure, we got it. Tomatoes, no problem.
Rachel (Olalliberry) says
I’m pretty happy with Oregon, I love hazelnuts! I mostly grew up in Michigan, and although we certainly are known for pasties, I’ve never had one! I think Michigan sour cherries are amazing though.
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
Hanging my head in embarrassment. I am from Minnesota, and apparently we are best known for ridiculous state fair food. The state fair lasts 10 days per year (or something like that), so I disagree with defining our state in this way, though I can’t think of any particular food that would define MN. Maybe the honeycrisp apple. Mmm.
Based on this map, I guess I’d become a nomad and wander around. The California grapes, Washington apples, and New Mexico chiles are calling out to me at the moment.
Kelly says
Do you think maybe they meant bacon as in any kind of pork product? There are some huge hog farms out east and that’s what I assumed we would be known for. I guess that’s better than tobacco right? What the heck are benne wafers in SC? I lived in a border county for 18 years and I have never heard of them. I totally agree with you about California. Do we even eat the grapes they produce in California? I’m pretty sure we drink them. 🙂 And also, I thought fried okra was a southern food staple, not just an Oklahoma thing. They’re not even a “real” southern state for goodness sakes. 😉
christen says
thanks for the entertainment! Brad and I just had fun playing the guess what state goes with each food! SC’s food…never heard of!!
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
hmmm.. I think NJ needs to have the CORN on the cob. It doesn’t compare ANYWHERE else!
And gimme that pizza. and cheese. and is that Ben & Jerry’s I see? GAH!
Tina says
What would convince someone that green jello is a state’s food? That is so random! And I’m a Georgia peach baby! 😀
Jess says
I’d have to agree with the North Carolina dry BBQ comment you made… I live just southwest of Raleigh and have never seen dry rubs used in restaurants here. Maybe Carolina Vinegar based BBQ would be better used! And my home state of NJ is 100% accurate with the Italian Sub, but we call it a Hoagie! Great post, very interesting to see! 🙂
Kristin says
Re: Utah and Jell-O: http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2001/bills/sbillenr/sr0005.htm
alex says
I so thought the rocky mountain oysters would be colorado…yuck
alyssa - fashion fitness foodie says
I cant make it bigger! 🙁 What is maryland? Crabcakes?
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
woohoo! go GRAPEs!
Kelli H says
I would definitely agree that CA is grapes…especially in Sonoma/Napa County.
Brittney says
I am originally from NH and find it funny that our food is Maple Syrup. I think it was a cop out and that they stole that from VT, since VT has two and NH isn’t really known for any food. I will say that as a New Englander in general, I do love REAL Maple Syrup though and I’ll gladly steal VT’s maple syrup….haha.