What is a traditional way to celebrate Juneteenth?
One of the best ways to honor Juneteenth is to highlight and uplift Black creators, and with this collection of Juneteenth food recipes you can also have some delicious food in the process! An initiative that has been uplifting Black creators for years is the annual Eat the Culture Juneteenth Virtual Cookout, which brings together Black food bloggers to share their favorite recipes, so that we all can have a chance to enjoy these incredible dishes and commemorate the history behind them. This year’s initiative honors nineteen Black American cookbook authors by recreating their recipes, amplifying their work, and sharing personal connections to Freedom Day. Many of the recipes from this year’s Cookout are included here, so be sure to share these recipes with your family and help continue the legacy of celebrating progress! You can find out more about the Juneteenth Virtual Cookout at the Eat the Culture website, and you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2022on Instagram.
What food do you eat on Juneteenth?
So what foods are served on Juneteenth and why is it important? Well first, since it’s a warm weather celebration, Juneteenth food traditions often include cookout fare like barbecued meats, potato salad and fruity or frozen desserts. You’ll also see lots of traditional soul food dishes like fried chicken, cornbread and collard greens. There’s also a special emphasis on red foods and red drinks.
Why is red food eaten in Juneteenth celebrations?
Throughout the history of Juneteenth celebrations, red foods have been a major part of the spread. There are several historical explanations that have been presented for this. First, it’s believed that the color red commemorates the history of struggle and bloodshed that enslaved Black Americans faced. Also, many historians believe that the color red was an important signifier of special occasions in the West African nations where many formerly enslaved people originated, a tradition which carried over into Juneteenth traditions after emancipation.
What are red foods for Juneteenth?
Juneteenth red foods include cookout favorites like barbecued meat and hot links, and other traditional favorites like red beans and rice and hot sauce. You might also see new twists on red foods, like watermelon salad or red cabbage coleslaw! The most well-known of all the Juneteenth desserts is red velvet cake, but other great options include strawberry pie or berry sorbet. You also can’t go wrong with a fresh fruit salad or grilled watermelon!
Juneteenth Drinks
The red theme continues with traditional Juneteenth drinks like strawberry soda, hibiscus drinks, and fruit punch. You can even serve up a red cocktail to really get the party started!
What do you serve at a Juneteenth party?
If you’re hosting a Juneteenth party, or you’d like ideas for what you bring to a Juneteenth party, you’re in luck! This collection of recipes has all the Juneteenth food ideas you could want, from soul food side dishes to red foods and drinks, and amazing desserts! So go on and pick out your recipes, and have a happy Juneteenth celebration! Next: 27 Amazing Soul Food Dishes You Have to Try
