Understanding the Culinary Traditions of the Gullah Geechee People

The gullah geechee people, the descendants of West Africans were brought to the south eastern part of the United States. Among a lot of things that the tourists can explore about them is their rich culinary heritage that is truly unique. Typically, it presents a blend of Caribbean, African and Southern influences. Understanding their culinary tradition allows you to get a glimpse of their creativity and the innate connection to the sea and the land.

 

What Is The Staple Food And Ingredients Of Cooking?

The staple food of the West African people includes okra, rice, and corns and seafood like crabs, shrimps and fishes. Rice is commonly consumed by them in the low-country areas like Georgia and South Carolina where there is a substantial population. Also, there are the prominent rice-growing areas since the colonial era. Besides, okra is one of the major components used in several dishes like stew and gumbo.

Another popular dish that they make is the low country boil comprising sausage, shrimp, crab, potatoes, and corn. It is one of those Gullah food recipes that reflect the effort of the people to create a wholesome and a fulfilling meal using locally-sourced ingredients. For the people in particular, food has an inherent connection with the community as well as the family as much as it is about meeting the hunger pangs. Often, the meals they prepare are served in large gatherings where people enjoy the tradition of sharing the dishes.

Cooking Methods

The cooking methods in gullah geechee culture blends traditional and practical elements. While the commonest techniques they use for preparing stew and vegetables. On the other hand, gumbo, one of their known dishes is another staple is usually cooked slowly, allowing the rich flavors to melt in. Among the cooking equipment to be used for cooking are Dutch ovens skillets made from cast iron. They are often the most essential things needed to make cornbread and fried chicken.

The other cooking methods that gullah people use are barbecuing and smoking that are influenced by the African ways of flavoring and preserving food. These methods have continues in the cooking tradition of the gullah geechee people, especially when preparing dishes like barbecue pork and smoked fish. Cooking in open flame is also popular and connects to their sharing meals within the community. 

Common Gullah Recipes 

 

Gullah recipes were born out of the gullah geechee community and dates back to 1700s. The southeastern part of United States where you will find a large community of gullah people living thrive on the traditional methods of preparing food. Primarily, the recipes contain fresh seafood, simmered vegetables, and rice and incorporate grits, oysters, and shrimp.

Here are the most noted recipes of the gullah-geechee people:

 

Corn-Based Recipe

The corncakes are one of the significant aspects of Gullah style of cooking and eating. So, fried corncakes are popular in the southern region where people love to gorge on fried recipes. The dish combines vegetables, dairy products, and various spices. These cakes are also served with sausage, fish, and shrimp and one of the most preferred side dishes for any kind of meal.

Shrimp and Okra

The availability of large quantities of shrimp in the waters surrounding South Carolina is commonly used in Gullah recipes. Moreover, the season of growing vegetables is pretty long, so a dish is prepared by sautéing okra and shrimps and is a delectable cuisine of these people. This preparation is also eaten with rice to prepare during feasts.

Grits and Shrimp

Another of the Gullah food recipes is a dish combining grits and shrimp. The popularity of grits in southern dishes is natural and is ground from corn. It is one of the foundational ingredients of the gullah geechee culture. The gullah people combine grits with seafood and add to that other ingredients to prepare a decadent meal.

Cream Pie with Peaches

Dessert preparation in Gullah Geechee culture is made from fresh peaches that grow in abundance along the south coastal corridor. Typically, the food recipes of the gullah people is based on things that are available round the year.

So, food and recipes of the gullah people is largely traditional and have passed down the generations. If you are planning a trip to Hilton head tours, don’t miss the heritage tours that take you to the inside of the community, collaborate with Gullah Heritage for an enduring tour and learn their style of cooking on the go.