A Look at the American South’s Strangest Dishes

Photo by Tom Hermans on Unsplash

The South is a region that is definitely known for having some of the best gastronomy in the United States. Southern exports that have become hugely popular in the rest of the country include fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and grits.

While many southern dishes are now popular throughout the country, there are some that might seem just downright strange to outsiders. So, here’s a look at four of the South’s weirdest dishes.

Chitlins

Chitlins are made with pig intestines. That’s right, intestines. This soul food classic involves either boiling or stewing the intestines for hours until they become soft and palatable. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Alligator Tail

Alligators are fearsome reptiles that live in the swamps in parts of the American South such as Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. The reptile’s tail, believe it or not, is delicious when deep-fried.

Boiled Peanuts

Peanuts were first cultivated in the Southern region of the United States and are now enjoyed roasted, raw, and in peanut butter. Did you know that it’s also common in parts of the south to boil them in salt water? They’re mushy but are actually pretty tasty.

Frog Legs

Alligators aren’t the only reptiles that southerners consume. While this culinary tradition isn’t confined to the South, eating fried frogs legs is certainly more popular there than anywhere else. Would you be brave enough to try them?