English Culinary Traditions
Many of Massachusetts' earliest settlers were the Puritans hailing from England. Many of the culinary traditions and methods of preparation from Britain are therefore the same that local residents use to prepare their foods today.
Baked turkeys, baked pies, hearty stews and cream sauces were first consumed regularly in the United States by the English settlers and remain staples of the diet to this day.
Modern Influences in New England
Although there are obvious Native American and English influences in the foods of the Bay State, there are also many other more recent contributions to the state's culinary fare. Ethnic restaurants are increasingly common in cities like Boston who boast Italian, Chinese and Vietnamese choices, among others.
A renaissance of cooking is happening throughout the state thanks to the likes of celebrity chefs like Jasper White and Todd English. Of course, among the most famous and well-loved chefs of all time, Julia Child, hailed from Cambridge.
Traditional Crops in the Bay State
Today over fifty thousand acres of land make up the seven thousand farms in the Bay State. Many of the farms grow items not consumed as food including tobacco. However, the region does grow some crops that have been staples of the area for centuries.
Most popular today include berries, potatoes, nuts and tree fruits. Traditionally items like cranberries, corn, potatoes and even maple syrup were both exported as well as enjoyed within the state.
One noticeable aspect of the state's cuisine is that it lacks some of the popular herbs like sage, rosemary and basil found in many styles of cooking. These fragile herbs don't grow well in the colder winters and therefore are not traditionally used in Bay State dishes.
Heavy Reliance on Seafood
Finding seafood on a dining room table or on a restaurant menu is certainly nothing new for residents of the Bay State. Seafood is a large industry and a popular menu item for the state. Clams, lobster, cod and haddock are easily the most popular seafood items served in the state although oysters are also associated with the area.
Clam chowder is something very specific to the New England region and is a very common dish for residents. It is interesting to note that the oldest restaurant in the entire United States is located in the city of Boston and is called the Union Oyster House. As the name implies, the restaurant serves oysters on the half shell as well as the local clam chowder.
A Top Historical Destination
The state of Massachusetts is located in the region of New England in the Northeast corner of the United States. It is defined by three large bays which give the region the nickname of Bay State. Despite the relatively small size of the state, it is absolutely full of beautiful landscapes and exciting destinations.
The capital city of Boston is the best known and largest urban area in the city but others locations like Cambridge and Worcester are also incredible places to visit for tourists and those interested in food in the region.
With a history that dates back to the early seventeenth century, the Bay State is one of the oldest states in the entire United States. It boasts hundreds of historical landmarks that help to define the culture of the region. Read on to learn about how the cuisine of the Bay State was shaped and what it consists of today.