At Foodie Tasting Room, we believe food is more than nourishment—it is memory, legacy, and story. As we approach Juneteenth, we pause to honor a pivotal moment in American history and reflect on how Southern food traditions have preserved and carried forward the resilience, creativity, and culture of generations past.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their emancipation—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a day of remembrance, but also one of joy, community, and cultural celebration—and food plays a central role.
A Table Rich in Story
The soul of Southern cuisine is deeply rooted in African American traditions. From slow-smoked meats and seasoned greens to cast iron cornbread and sweet fruit cobblers, each dish tells a story of survival, adaptation, and love.
Many of the ingredients we use today—okra, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, rice, and watermelon—trace back to African roots. Passed down through oral tradition, these recipes were shaped by struggle, but they shine with strength and flavor.
At Foodie Tasting Room, we’re proud to carry ingredients that celebrate these stories:
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Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil for brushing on grilled meats or tossing with fresh okra.
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Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar for glazing ribs or sweet potatoes.
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Peach Jam for spooning over hot biscuits, just like Grandma used to make.
Red Foods: A Symbol of Celebration
In many Juneteenth gatherings, red foods and drinks are a powerful symbol—representing strength, perseverance, and the blood shed in the fight for freedom. Red velvet cake, strawberry soda, red beans and rice, and spicy barbecue all honor this heritage.
Want to bring those vibrant flavors to your table? Try creating a Juneteenth spread using:
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Strawberry Peach Balsamic Vinegar for a fresh salad dressing or drizzled over grilled peaches.
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Spicy Red Pepper Jam as a glaze for grilled chicken or layered in a sandwich.
Gather, Remember, Celebrate
Whether you’re hosting a cookout, attending a community gathering, or simply lighting a candle in remembrance—take a moment this Juneteenth to honor the deep, enduring ties between freedom and food.
May your table be filled with stories worth telling and dishes made with love.
And may we all continue to lift up the voices and recipes that shaped the South—and still shape us today.
Join us this month at Foodie Tasting Room as we honor heritage with flavor. Come taste the history in every drop, every jar, and every bite.