Philadelphia, PA - What is the state food of Pennsylvania? While Pennsylvania does not officially have state food, there are several options available in the state. The most famous of these is scrapple, which is a meatloaf made from leftover pork. The Pennsylvania state food also features a drink named for a golfer, Arnold Palmer (from Latrobe, PA.). It is a blend of half lemonade and half iced tea, and it's been a summer staple at many country clubs. A second option is Pennsylvania Dutch chicken stew, which features egg noodles and vegetables.
Pennsylvania's Culinary Landscape: Exploring Iconic Foods Beyond an Official "State Food"
While Pennsylvania doesn't officially designate a single "state food," the Keystone State boasts a rich and diverse culinary heritage, brimming with iconic dishes and regional specialties. From savory scrapple to sweet shoofly pie, Pennsylvania's food scene reflects its history, its cultural influences, and the bounty of its agricultural lands. This article explores some of the most beloved and representative foods that define Pennsylvania's culinary identity.
Beyond Official Designations: A Tapestry of Iconic Foods
It's true that Pennsylvania lacks an official state food, but this absence allows for a broader appreciation of the many dishes that compete for recognition. Several foods are strongly associated with the state, reflecting its unique history and cultural influences.
Scrapple: A Pennsylvania Dutch Breakfast Staple
Perhaps no food is more closely associated with Pennsylvania than scrapple. This iconic breakfast meat, often described as a "meatloaf" made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices, is a testament to the resourcefulness and practicality of the Pennsylvania Dutch, who have significantly shaped the state's culinary traditions. Its distinctive flavor and texture make it a beloved, if sometimes polarizing, regional specialty.
The Arnold Palmer: A Refreshing Legacy from Latrobe
Pennsylvania's culinary contributions extend beyond solid food. The Arnold Palmer, a refreshing blend of iced tea and lemonade, is named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who hailed from Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This simple yet iconic beverage has become a summertime staple, not just in Pennsylvania, but across the country, a testament to Palmer's enduring popularity and the drink's refreshing appeal.
Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie (Not Stew)
Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting dishes. Chicken pot pie (often called bot boi by Pennsylvania Dutch speakers) is a regional staple. This is distinct from a traditional pot pie with a top crust; Pennsylvania Dutch pot pie is typically a stew-like dish with large, flat egg noodles (often square-shaped), vegetables, and chunks of chicken in a rich broth.
Lebanon Bologna: A Sweet and Smoky Sausage
Lebanon bologna, a unique cured and smoked sausage, is another Pennsylvania specialty. Originating in Lebanon County and deeply rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, this all-beef sausage boasts a distinctive sweet and smoky flavor, often enjoyed as a snack or sandwich filling. Seltzer's Lebanon Bologna, dating back to 1902, is a prominent producer of this regional delicacy.
Pierogi: A Taste of Eastern Europe
Pierogi, dumplings of unleavened dough filled with various savory or sweet fillings, are a beloved staple in many parts of Pennsylvania, particularly in areas with strong Eastern European heritage, like Pittsburgh. While not uniquely Pennsylvanian, pierogi have been embraced as a comfort food and are widely available at restaurants, festivals, and churches throughout the state.
Shoofly Pie: A Sweet Treat from Amish Country
Shoofly pie, a molasses-based dessert, is another iconic Pennsylvania Dutch treat. This rich, crumbly pie, with its distinctive sweet and sticky filling, is particularly popular in the Amish communities of Lancaster County and surrounding areas. Its name is said to derive from the fact that its sweetness attracts flies, requiring shooing away. It's often enjoyed as a breakfast food, similar to a coffee cake.
Peeps: A Bethlehem-Born Easter Icon
While not a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food, Peeps, the marshmallow candies shaped like chicks and bunnies, are another notable Pennsylvania product. Made by Just Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Peeps have become a ubiquitous symbol of Easter and a beloved (or sometimes reviled) sugary treat across the nation.
Pennsylvania's culinary landscape is a rich and varied one, reflecting its diverse history and cultural influences. While the state may lack an official "state food," its unofficial culinary ambassadors – from scrapple and Lebanon bologna to shoofly pie and Peeps – offer a delicious and memorable taste of Pennsylvania's unique food heritage. Exploring these iconic foods is a journey through the heart of Pennsylvania's culinary traditions, a testament to the state's enduring connection to its agricultural roots and its diverse communities.
