Soul food myths debunked. Soul food was born from struggle and survival. Many myths have surrounded the cuisine, and today, we will help you debunk them. Just take a look!
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Soul Food Is Unhealthy
If you trace the roots of soul food back to the South, you will realize that the dishes are healthy. The culinary art comprises of vegetables and less meat. Usually, meat stock was used to flavor vegetables.
Legumes, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, fish are the main ingredients in most soul food dishes. Dried, salted, or smoked fish are popular one-pot meals. The cooking styles used to prepare the meals are healthy.
However, during special events, baked foods are popular. Not all dishes are unhealthy though, and this is not a reason enough to brand soul food as unhealthy.
Read Also:Soul Food: Tracing Back Southern Cuisine’s Roots
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Only Black Folks Can Prepare Soul Food
Soul food requires creativity and patience. But that does not mean only black folks can achieve a real authentic taste of soul food. Anyone can prepare soul food provided they stick to the traditions. If you frequent soul food restaurants, at one point, you might be curious to learn how to prepare them at home.
However, you may not achieve the same flavor the first day, but you will slowly perfect your art with regular practice.
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Yams and Sweet Potatoes Are Different
Most soul food yam recipes use sweet potatoes instead of yams. But what most people don’t know is they are the same. In the late 1800s, farmers separated sweet potatoes in regard to their sugar content and dark color. Orange and yellow species were the most popular.
In America, sweet potatoes with orange flesh are called yams. Though in grocery stores, you may find yams and sweet potatoes bins, the two are the same.
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Cornbread Should Not Have Any Sugar
Most Southerners believe that cornbread should not have sugar, and if it does, it is no longer bread but a cake. However, though the sugar is used in low quantities, it was introduced when the black folks could not access the white cornmeal. Yellow cornmeal, which has no sugar, is used instead, and sugar is added to enhance its flavor.
Recommended:Tasty Cornbread Recipe for Black Folks| Black History Month
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Soul Food and Southern Food are the same
Most people think soul food and southern cuisine are the same, but the truth is, the two are different. Soul food are dishes from outside the South. However, the two cuisines have a common heritage. But one thing that sets southern dishes from Soul food is the seasoning. Find out more about Soul Food and who owns it here.
Which one of these soul food myths have you heard? Please share your contributions in the comments section.