By gaining experience and influence at a cooking school in the state, you will be able to prepare any number of dishes that call on local flavor. Many great chefs are embracing a back to basics style of cooking so popular in the region. The hospitality industry consistently hires chefs in the many hotels, restaurants and cafeterias found throughout the state.
The culinary experience in Georgia is quite unlike that of any other state within the country. The unique blend of Southern tradition, local barbecue, fresh ingredients and a rich historical past mean that the dishes have been passed down through generations and perfected along the way. Attending culinary school within the state would truly be the experience of a lifetime for any food enthusiast.
Inspiration from Fresh Georgia Produce
There can be no denying that a large influence over the region's culinary fare is what is grown straight from the soil. Peaches, of course, are the state's namesake and a major crop for the state. This seasonal fruit is found at fruit vendors, farmers’ markets, on menus and in stores throughout the state during the warmer summer months.
Peanuts are another abundant crop that are popularly consumed year round in the region. Enjoy dried peanuts in giant ten or twenty pound bags in grocery stores, as a feature in many local menus or even boiled and spiced as a local tradition. Other popular agricultural crops include onions, pecans, corn and squash.
Southern Influences on the Best Food in Georgia
Much of the state's cuisine is part of a large tradition of Southern style fare. Pan fried chicken is a common staple in Georgian kitchens and restaurants and is often served alongside traditional side dishes like black eyed peas, collard greens, biscuits and cornbread. Traditional desserts like peach cobbler, pecan pie and sweet potato pie feature the fruits, nuts and even vegetables that are in season.
Traditional Georgian Barbecue
Barbecue has always played a large role in the culinary fare of the Peach State. While many states in the region enjoy barbecue and claim to have a unique style, Georgian barbecue does play a pivotal role in the culture.
An outdoor barbecue is the preferred way to spend a summer afternoon, celebrate a holiday or even to kick off the political season as the Georgian General Assembly does with their annual wild hog supper. While any meat can be enjoyed on the barbecue, pork is a top choice in the state. The preferred barbecue sauce to top pork or any meat on the grill is a ketchup based sauce that features a bold smoky flavor and differs greatly from the more vinegary taste of South Carolina barbecue.
A Historical Destination
The state of Georgia was one of the original thirteen colonies and has been an important historical destination for centuries. The diverse terrain means that visitors from around the world can enjoy the beaches and colonial architecture of Savannah, the bustling city of Atlanta or the mountainous region in the northwest of the state.
With a mild climate and plenty of space, the Peach State is also a haven for agriculture. The history, culture and climate have all played a role in shaping the state as well as its cuisine. For this reason many aspiring chefs choose the state for a chance to pursue a career in culinary arts.