Summertime is arguably the best time of year. Classes are out, the weather is the nicest, and the people are the happiest (thanks, Vitamin D!). With that being said, summer is also the best time of year for everyone’s favorite subject—food. Especially below the Mason Dixon, we take food very seriously down here. I’ve compiled a list of what I think are the top five signature dishes for people in the South. These are not in any particular order, because all of these hold a special place in my heart (and let’s be honest, I can’t rank them). Here are the foods that I guarantee will be on the menu at local cookouts, family reunions, and all-around summer celebrations!
1. Watermelon
Aside from being the best fruit ever invented (it is, don’t argue with me on this one), life doesn’t get better than ice-cold watermelon deep into the summer. The supermarkets start putting the familiar crates out late March/early April, filled to the brim with tons of this sweet treat. Some people put salt on it, some sugar, but all agree unanimously that it is delicious.
2. Sweet Tea
Okay, I know this isn’t a food, but how could I make a list of southern summer snacks without adding this nectar crafted by God himself? If you go to almost any gathering in the south there are 3 drinks of choice that hold to be true every time: water, lemonade, and sweet tea. I realize that sweet tea isn’t a thing everywhere, and that some people, God bless their heart, drink their tea… unsweetened (I just shuddered). We take tea extremely serious around here because it’s not just a drink… it’s a lifestyle. So if you’re ever in the south and don’t know what beverage to get at dinner, I recommend the sweet tea, it will change your life.
3. Low Country Boil
I look forward to this dish every single year. While this tradition is predominantly carried out in South Carolina and Georgia, low country boils can be found all throughout the southern part of the United States. If you’ve never heard of this dish before, it’s basically corn-on-the-cob, potatoes, crab or shrimp (or crawfish, shout out to my people in Louisiana!), and sausage all put together in an outdoor cooker and simmered to perfection for a few hours. I know I said the sweet tea will change your life, but this one really will. Throw some seasoning salt on it…. SHEESH, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
4. Peaches and Ice Cream
I’m sure this dish is popular throughout the country, and I know I’m extremely biased, but (like everything on this list) it just tastes better in the south. Most of the time the peaches are warm and when mixed with the ice cold vanilla… the combination is just indescribable. If you’re ever down here out to dinner, and are usually not the type to order dessert, trust me on this one, order the peaches and ice cream and thank me later.
5. Fried Green Tomatoes
An oldie, but a goodie. It’s not uncommon in the south to fry… literally everything. But fried green tomatoes take it to another level. The crunch mixed with the tanginess of the tomato is unlike anything you have ever tried in your life. Early summer is the best time for this fan favorite because this is when they are at prime harvesting time. (Disclaimer: My aunt Cora makes the BEST fried green tomatoes you will EVER have. Hey lady, love ya!)
I know there are thousands of other southern foods that would easily make it on the list, but these just stood out and hold special places in my heart. I wish everyone in the world could experience the cuisine that I grew up with! I’m very blessed to have such good cooks in my life. Despite what southern state you’re from, tradition runs deep with these summer favorites. So enjoy the summer weather, enjoy your family and friends, and don’t forget to take time to try these foods and others like it! Oh, and seriously… order the sweet tea.
