These Are The Official State Foods Of The Midwest: How Many Have You Tried?
Attention, foodies! Embark on a culinary journey through the heartland of America. Discover the official state foods that define the Midwest. 🌽🥧🍠 #MidwesternFlavors #StateFood #FoodieAdventure
Edina, MN – Embark on a yummy journey through the heartland of America and discover the fascinating official state foods that define the Midwest. From the salty popcorn of Illinois to the pawpaws of Ohio, each state boasts its own unique flavors and dishes that showcase its rich history and cultural heritage.
Join us as we explore these delightful treats and learn what makes them so special to the people who call these states home. Strap on your stretchy pants – by the end of this article, you’ll be hungry!
🌽 Illinois: Popcorn
In Illinois, popcorn reigns supreme as the official state snack. Back in 2003, a group of determined third-graders successfully petitioned State Senator Larry Walsh to make this beloved snack the official choice for the Corn State. So, the next time you’re watching a movie or enjoying a festive occasion in Illinois, remember to grab a bowl of freshly popped popcorn and savor the taste of this locally celebrated treat!
🥧 Indiana: Sugar Cream Pie
If you find yourself in Indiana, be sure to indulge in a slice of their iconic sugar cream pie. This heavenly dessert, rumored to have originated in the eastern part of the state during the early 1800s, is a true Hoosier delicacy. Picture a flaky pie crust filled with a dreamy mixture of sugar, whipping cream, and butter – each bite is like a sweet, creamy cloud melting in your mouth. It’s no wonder this pie earned its place as Indiana’s official state pie!
🍠 Iowa: Sweet Potato
In Iowa, the humble sweet potato takes center stage as the official state vegetable. Indigenous people in the region have long relied on this nutritious root vegetable, and it officially gained its status in 1995. Whether you prefer your sweet potatoes baked until tender, fried to crispy perfection, or even incorporated into a decadent dessert, Iowa’s official vegetable is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, when you’re in the Hawkeye State, be sure to give this versatile veggie a try!
🌿 Kansas: Sandhill Plum
Kansas recently celebrated the Sandhill plum, also known as the Chickasaw plum, as its official state fruit in 2020. This native fruit, found throughout most of the state, is a favorite among locals who transform it into delightful jellies, wines, and pies. Imagine biting into a juicy, sun-ripened Sandhill plum, its tart sweetness bursting in your mouth – it’s a taste of pure Kansas goodness!
🐟 Michigan: Brook Trout
In Michigan, the brook trout swam its way to becoming the official state fish in 1988. Initially, lawmakers had declared the trout as the state fish in 1965, but residents felt the need to be more specific. After outswimming the competition, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and lake trout, the brook trout emerged victorious. So, when you’re fishing in the Great Lake State, keep an eye out for this prized catch!
🫐 Minnesota: Blueberry Muffin
Sorry, it’s not tater tot hotdish, lutefisk or even a jucy lucy! Minnesota’s official state muffin is a true homage to the wild blueberries that grow abundantly throughout the state. In 1988, thanks to the efforts of a third-grade class from Carlton, Minnesota, the blueberry muffin earned its rightful place as the state’s official muffin. Picture yourself biting into a warm, freshly baked muffin, bursting with plump, juicy blueberries – it’s a taste of Minnesota’s natural bounty in every bite!
🍦 Missouri: Ice Cream Cone
In Missouri, the ice cream cone reigns supreme as the official state dessert, a title it has held since 2008. The origins of this beloved treat can be traced back to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where vendors began rolling up waffles and filling them with scoops of creamy ice cream. Whether you prefer classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate or more adventurous options like mint chocolate chip or rocky road, Missouri’s official dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
🥙 Nebraska: Runza Sandwich
While Nebraska doesn’t have an official state food, the Runza sandwich has become a beloved staple throughout the state. In 1949, Sally Everett opened her first restaurant, aptly named Runza, where she served these delightful little sandwiches. Also known as bierocks, these handheld treats feature a soft bread pocket stuffed with a savory mixture of beef, cabbage, and onions. One bite into a piping hot Runza sandwich, and you’ll understand why it’s a Nebraska favorite!
🍒 North Dakota: Chokecherries
Don’t let the name fool you – chokecherries are a beloved fruit in North Dakota, so much so that they were declared the official state fruit in 2007. While these tart berries are often enjoyed by wild animals, North Dakotans have found creative ways to incorporate them into their cuisine, from tangy preserves and refreshing juices to sweet jellies. So, if you find yourself in the Peace Garden State, be sure to sample some chokecherry delights!
🍈 Ohio: Pawpaw
Ohio‘s official state native fruit, the pawpaw, has a rich history dating back to the days of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who both cultivated this unique fruit. Declared the official fruit in 2009, pawpaws are the largest edible fruit native to North America and can be found growing wild in 26 states. With a tropical flavor reminiscent of mangoes and a subtle yeast and floral aftertaste, biting into a ripe pawpaw is like taking a journey through Ohio’s natural flavors.
🍢 South Dakota: Chislic
In 2018, South Dakota officially declared chislic as its “official nosh.” Distinguished from shish kebabs, which include both meat and vegetables, chislic is a straightforward dish featuring cubes of meat skewered and grilled to perfection. Brought to South Dakota by German and Russian immigrants in the late 1800s, this savory snack has become a cherished part of the state’s culinary heritage. So, when you’re in the Mount Rushmore State, be sure to grab a skewer and enjoy this delicious meat treat!
🥐 Wisconsin: Kringle
Wisconsin, known for its rich Danish heritage, proudly claimed kringle as its official state pastry in 2013. This flaky, buttery pastry, often filled with fruit or nuts, has been a beloved treat in the state since Danish immigrants introduced it in the 1800s. Some Wisconsin bakeries still use recipes dating back to that era, ensuring that each bite of kringle is a delicious taste of history. Pair a warm slice of kringle with your morning coffee, and you’ll understand why Wisconsinites hold this pastry so close to their hearts. Are you shocked to learn it’s not cheese curds? Us too!
Conclusion
From the popcorn-loving Illinoisans to the kringle-obsessed Wisconsinites, the Midwest is a region filled with unique and delicious official state foods. These iconic dishes and treats not only tantalize taste buds but also tell the stories of the people, cultures, and histories that have shaped these states.
So, the next time you find yourself in the Midwest, be sure to seek out these official state foods and savor the flavors that define this remarkable region. Your culinary adventure awaits! Happy (and tasty) travels!
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🗣 How many of these state foods have you tried? Which looks the yummiest? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
