Not Just Jello and Hot Dishes: Representative Foods of Minnesota

Abstract

This paper explores representative foods of Minnesota through 130 menus offered by residents as typical regional meals to serve to out-of-state guests. The data come from an extensive mailed survey of people targeted because of their knowledge of the local area: extension agents, newspaper editors, professional geographers, and directors of public libraries and historical societies. These Minnesotans revealed their affiliation with the larger Midwest through high survey counts for beef, potatoes, corn, and apple pie. Walleye and wild rice plus the seasonal fruits blueberries and strawberries are more particular to the state. The analysis also identifies several traditional foods that may be about to disappear and other dishes that seem to be establishing themselves as symbolic foods of the state. Unexpectedly, only a very selective food presence exists in the sample from ethnic groups.