America’s Most Popular Food – Understanding American Food
When food first crossed the lips of our ancestors thousands of years ago, they were probably not thinking of vegetables or grains as we do today. Native Americans relied on natural products for nourishment and did not have a single refrigerator, let alone a freezer. They had to be satisfied quickly, so the food they ate was very nutritious and varied. Unlike the mass produced food available to us in stores, which can lose much of its nutrition as it ages, wild food sustains the body and can be a great source of medicine. The ancient peoples of America were well aware of the healing powers of natural food.
Today many American Indian, Caribbean, and African cuisines are rich in vegetable and grain carbohydrates. American cuisine has also been largely influenced by native American Indians, African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders and other cultures and groups, reflecting the diversity of the US. Because of this, American cuisine has come to include many items that existed among different cultures but were unknown to them. Some of these include cornbread, corn tortillas, okra, squash, cabbage, kale, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, carrots, turnips, collard greens, and beans.
One American cuisine that is growing in popularity is the kebab, a Middle Eastern dish of split chicken marinated in spicy honey and then cooked on a griddle. The name “kebab” is derived from an Arabic term meaning “fowl”. The common name for kebabs in the US is “chick” and it is no wonder since this dish is so popular. Some of America’s more popular restaurants serve key lime pie, an authentic Middle Eastern fruit cake, that can be made with real key lime pies or key lime pie that is made with pie dough from a store bought pie dough recipe.
Pork is another popular American favorite. In fact, in some states there is a festival devoted to pork and cornbread. The famous Captain Nemo of Disney’s “Finding Nemo” uses the sea’s best fish, the blue fin tuna, to create his signature dish. At diners across the country, a meal consisting of shrimp, crab, cornbread stuffing, and fish cake is a favorite.
Dining in America these days also includes dishes like spinach soup and pizza. Spun vegetables are a popular side dish served with either pasta or barbecue. Americans have also discovered they can get lots of protein and vitamins by eating the meat of chicken, turkey, or beef. A common side dish at many restaurants is a plate of nachos, which is either ground beef or chicken nachos, served with a sauce of salsa and cheese.
Taylor ham is another favorite American side dish, especially at brunch. Taylor ham is made by taking ham hocks, soaked overnight, and then drying, smoking, and curing the meat until it becomes a dense and tasty sausage. It is then rolled into small balls and deep-fried. Taylor ham is delicious served with any kind of potatoes, vegetables, or breads. New England was the first state to develop this dish, probably inspired by a visit from Captain Cook on his voyage to England in 1620.
Vegetable dishes have also been developed throughout the years. In addition to the familiar green salads and carrots and lettuce that we eat all the time, Americans have developed cabbages and parsnips, as well as dandelion root and fennel. Cabbages are certainly the most popular vegetable in America. Parsnips, too, are extremely popular.
Probably the most popular American food of all is burgers and fries. People all over the world love burger and fries, especially the young and old alike. hamburgers are prepared in many different ways and come in so many varieties that one may be overwhelmed by their options. In Hamburgers, you have the traditional ground beef accompanied by peppers, onions, and ketchup, or you can use bacon instead. A French fry is simply grilled potatoes or a potato patty seasoned with cheese, chili, or other ingredients to make a delicious meal.
