Why Gullah cuisine is the talk of the town?

The Gullah cuisine reflects the beautiful culture of the locals, which has been deeply rooted in their native African traditions. Food, made with the local ingredients collected from sea and land, defines the people and their culture living here.

Home to the descendants of the West African slaves, brought in to work in the plantations of South Carolina, the Gullah Geechee has become popular for its flavorful cooking. The recipes, inspired by African traditions, truly describe the Gullah Geechee culture.

Traditional Gullah recipes are very different from the soul food (cuisine originating in the Southern states of the United States). The food of the region uses local ingredients grown on land and sea. Additionally, the dishes are not very mushy – a quality that has defined the African American style of cooking. Rice is the staple food item; however, people have been using millet, sorghum, and benne seeds in their dishes as well.

Being featured in popular travel and food magazines, blogs, and shows – the Gullah food is something that is trying to keep the ancient past alive.

Who are the residents of Gullah?

The residents of Gullah are the successors of the West Africans brought in from Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to work in the rice plantations. Living in complete isolation from their white colonist masters, these people were able to develop their unique heritage. The immigrants created a distinct language, religion, and food habits of their own that were heavily influenced by their native African roots.

These people were able to preserve their African heritage and pass it on to the coming generations. And probably, food is one prime example of the given tradition.

No food is complete without rice or okra soup

 
Rice has been an important part of the community and is the staple food of the locals. No Gullah meal is complete without it. Rice is carefully cooked and served during the meals to the family members. While preparing the meals, the people of the community follow some strict rules – giving the grain a certain divine status.

Apart from rice, okra soup is another important item. No meal is complete without it, and it is somewhat similar to Gumbo (stew) of New Orleans. The soup uses a tomato base and can be made from anything like pork or beef shanks, or even vegetables. The okra came with the African slaves and thrived in the heat of the region.

Apart from these items, here are some other delicacies of the Gullah communities:

1. Fried corn cakes

Home-style corn cakes frequently served with sausages or shrimps, this dish is a stunning combination of salty and sweet flavors.

2. Peach and cream pie

A popular dessert of the area uses locally grown peaches is a treat to the taste buds. Due to the seasonal availability of the peaches, this dish is a usually available during the summers.

3. Shrimp and grits

Grit is a type of corn, used often by the Native Americans in their cuisines. The plantation owners introduced the grit to the immigrant slaves, making it an important staple in their diet. The newcomers modified the grit by adding seafood, especially prawns, creating a simple but tasty comfort food of the locals.

Do you want to explore the culinary traditions of the region? Then, reach out to the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours. They have been organizing heritage tours in the neighborhood, familiarizing the tourists regarding the different aspects of the Gullah Geechee culture. For more information, visit http://gullaheritage.com or call 1-843-681-7066.