Michigan and its state foods
Michigan, a state located in the Midwest region of the United States, is known for its automobile industry, its Great Lakes, and its rich culinary heritage. Michigan’s cuisine is diverse, reflecting the state’s history and the various cultures that have influenced it over the years. Some of the popular dishes in Michigan include coney dogs, pasties, cherry pie, whitefish, and apple cider. But which of these dishes is considered as the state food of Michigan? In this article, we will explore the history of Michigan’s state food and the contenders for the title.
A brief history of Michigan’s state food
In 2004, Michigan designated the cherry as its official state fruit, but it was not until 2012 that the state recognized a state food. The initiative to designate a state food was started by a group of fifth-grade students from Northern Michigan, who argued that a state food would help promote Michigan’s culinary heritage and boost the state’s economy. The students conducted a survey to determine the most popular dishes in Michigan, and presented their findings to the state legislature. In 2012, the Michigan Senate passed a resolution designating the coney dog as the state food of Michigan.
The contenders: popular dishes in Michigan
While the coney dog is the official state food of Michigan, there are several other dishes that are popular in the state and have a strong connection to its history and culture. Let’s take a closer look at some of these contenders.
Coney dogs: a Detroit classic
The coney dog is a type of hot dog that is topped with chili, onions, and mustard. It is a popular fast food item in Michigan, particularly in the city of Detroit, where it is said to have originated. The coney dog, also known as the Michigan hot dog, is closely associated with Detroit’s Greek-American community, who introduced the dish to the city in the early 1900s. Today, there are numerous coney island restaurants in Michigan that serve this classic dish.
Pasties: the yooper delight
The pasty is a type of pastry that is filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, and baked to perfection. It is a traditional dish in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where it was introduced by Cornish immigrants who came to the area to work in the mines. The pasty was a convenient lunch option for miners, as it was easy to carry and could be eaten without utensils. Today, the pasty is a beloved dish in the Upper Peninsula, and numerous restaurants and bakeries specialize in making this classic dish.
Cherry pie: a symbol of Michigan’s fruit industry
Cherry pie is a sweet dessert that is made with cherries and a flaky crust. It is a symbol of Michigan’s fruit industry, which is one of the largest in the United States. Michigan is known for its tart cherries, which are used to make cherry pie filling and other cherry-based products. Cherry pie is a popular dessert in Michigan, and many restaurants and bakeries offer their own take on this classic dish.
Whitefish: a staple of Great Lakes cuisine
Whitefish is a type of fish that is found in the Great Lakes region. It is a staple of Great Lakes cuisine, and is often served smoked or grilled. Michigan is one of the top producers of whitefish in the United States, and the fish is an important part of the state’s culinary heritage. Many restaurants in Michigan offer whitefish on their menus, and it is a popular choice among locals and tourists.
Apple cider: a seasonal must-try
Apple cider is a sweet drink that is made from apples. It is a seasonal must-try in Michigan, particularly in the fall, when apple orchards across the state open their doors to visitors. Michigan is one of the top producers of apples in the United States, and the state’s cider mills are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Apple cider is often served hot or cold, and is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed year-round.
Vernors: Michigan’s unique ginger ale
Vernors is a brand of ginger ale that was created in Detroit in 1866. It is a unique drink that is flavored with a secret blend of spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla. Vernors is a beloved drink in Michigan, and is often used as a mixer for cocktails. The brand has a strong connection to Michigan’s history and culture, and is considered a symbol of the state’s independent spirit.
The verdict: which dish is the state food?
While there are several contenders for the title of Michigan’s state food, the coney dog is the official state food, according to a resolution passed by the Michigan Senate in 2012. The coney dog is a classic dish that is closely associated with Detroit’s Greek-American community, and is beloved by locals and tourists alike. While other dishes like pasties, cherry pie, whitefish, apple cider, and Vernors are important parts of Michigan’s culinary heritage, the coney dog is the one that has been officially recognized by the state.
Conclusion: Michigan’s rich culinary heritage
Michigan’s cuisine is diverse and reflects the state’s history and culture. From coney dogs to pasties to cherry pie, there are many dishes that are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Michigan’s culinary heritage is also closely tied to the state’s agriculture and manufacturing industries, which produce a wide range of products, including apples, cherries, whitefish, and Vernors. Whether you’re a fan of classic dishes or new culinary creations, Michigan has something to offer food lovers of all kinds.
References: sources for further reading
- "Michigan’s State Symbols." Michigan.gov. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8716_8726-24550–,00.html.
- "The History of the Coney Dog." Smithsonian Magazine. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-history-of-the-coney-dog-90399463/.
- "Michigan Pasty – A Yooper Delight." Michigan.org. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/michigan-pasty-yooper-delight.
- "Michigan’s Cherry Industry." Michigan State University Extension. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/michigans_cherry_industry.
- "Great Lakes Whitefish." SeafoodHealthFacts.org. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://www.seafoodhealthfacts.org/seafood_choices/great_lakes_whitefish.
- "Vernors: The Story of Michigan’s Favorite Soda." Michigan Radio. Accessed June 20, 2021. https://www.michiganradio.org/post/vernors-story-michigans-favorite-soda.
