Why do Southerners eat grits?

Grits have developed into a comfort food over the years. They were known as the "Southern oatmeal" before air conditioning was invented, as they could withstand the heat and humidity found in the south better than oatmeal. Grits are made from corn, but are not used as a vegetable.

Why are grits so popular in the South?

Saving The Story Of Grits, A Dish Born Of Poverty Now On Fine-Dining Menus : The Salt Interest in grits is rising because of heirloom corn varieties and the backing of master chefs. But the Southern staple has deep roots that wind through economics, race, politics — and nostalgia.

Why don't northerners eat grits?

It's a tradition. "Northerners don't like grits because they expect them to have a lot of taste," says Carl Allen, owner of Allen's Historical Cafe in Auburndale near Lakeland, and a legend in Cracker cuisine. "And as anyone who has eaten them knows, grits don't have much taste.

Why do people eat grits?

Grits are a staple dish in the American South, made from ground, dried corn and particularly rich in iron and B vitamins. Stone-ground varieties are more nutritious, as they undergo less processing than quick, regular, or instant types.

Which states eat the most grits?

Creamy white grits are a classic Southern food “swallered” by folks from Washington D.C. all the way down to south Florida and over to southwest Texas. In fact, the Quaker Oats Company says 75 percent of the grits sold in the U.S. are bought by Southerners, predominantly in Georgia, South Carolina, and north Florida.

Grandmas Rate Each Other's Grits

Are grits healthier than oatmeal?

One cup of instant grits made with water has 2 grams of fiber and 3 g of protein, whereas one cup of cooked rolled oats, which has 4 g of fiber and 6 g of protein. Like other fortified cereals, enriched grits are a good source of iron, with one serving delivering 100% of the recommended Daily Value.

Do Southerners put sugar on grits?

Grits most especially get sugared (although some of us are in the butter-and-salt camp). Oatmeal and cream of wheat also get a dousing.

What do grits do to your body?

Grits are loaded with iron, which helps guard against the development of iron deficiency anemia, which is more common in older people. They also have a large amount of folate, the lack of which can produce vitamin deficiency anemia.

What is Southern Comfort food?

What are the black bugs in grits?

The black/dark specks you see in your grits are the particles of germ that are left in the product. The germ of the corn kernel is naturally darker in color and it is absolutely normal to see grey/black/dark flecks throughout your corn grits.

Is shrimp and grits black people food?

Is shrimp and grits an African dish? Yes, shrimp and grit originated in Africa as a dish made of ground maize and shellfish. The dish migrated with enslaved Africans to Southern plantation kitchens in the American South.

Why do people put milk in grits?

You can cook grits with milk or even heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.

What is the most popular food in the South?

What are 3 popular dishes in the South?

What is the most popular dish in the South?

A traditional Southern meal is pan-fried chicken, field peas (such as black-eyed peas), greens (such as collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, or poke sallet), mashed potatoes, cornbread or corn pone, sweet tea, and dessert—typically a pie (sweet potato, chess, shoofly, pecan, and peach are the most common), or ...

What is unhealthy about grits?

While grits offer some health benefits, most varieties have one major drawback: they're made with refined grains. Unlike healthy whole grains, which offer lots of fiber and other essential nutrients because they include the entire grain, refined grains contain the starchy endosperm and not much else.

Are grits good for losing weight?

If you are trying to lose weight, eating grits is a better way to get a full feeling without consuming excessive fat calories. These figures refer to plain grits and oatmeal. Adding butter, milk, sugar or salt can increase the amount of fat and calories significantly, so keep these additives to a minimum.

Is grits healthier than rice?

Grits contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than rice which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, anemia, and some cancers. They are also high in multiple B-complex vitamins including folate, niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamine.

Why do you soak grits?

Cooking Remarks

Soaking grits in water overnight and cooking them in their soaking liquid reduces their cooking time by about 50 percent. In real terms, this means 1 cup of grits, unsoaked, cooks in about 90 minutes; soaked overnight, they cook in about 50 minutes.

What nationality eats grits?

Grits is a food of Native American origin that is common in the Southern United States, mainly used in breakfast. It consists of coarsely ground corn. When made from hominy, it is referred to as hominy grits. It is sometimes called sofkee or sofkey from the Creek word.

Are grits better with milk or water?

No matter which variety, yellow or white, the beauty of grits is their versatility and ability to take on most flavors paired with them, although they are always best when cooked with milk instead of water. The flavor and consistency difference is truly amazing.

Should diabetics eat grits?

Grits are a creamy Southern dish made from ground corn. While they're high in carbs and can increase blood sugar, you can eat them in moderation if you have diabetes. Just be sure to pair this savory porridge with healthy, low-carb ingredients and choose less processed, stone-ground varieties when possible.

Can dogs eat grits?

The main ingredient in grits is corn, which is a dog-safe food. Dogs can typically consume small quantities of plain grits without risking their health—no more than a tablespoon per day for a medium-size dog.

Will grits raise blood sugar?

Hominy, instant, quick, or regular grits should always be avoided because they will dramatically increase your blood sugar levels.