From coast to coast, the United States offers a wide variety of culinary explorations that are inspired by Native American history, European colonization, African influences, and immigration from around the world. American cuisine has evolved to incorporate ingredients and cooking techniques from these different influences.
Staple Ingredients:
The American landscape has a vast amount of farmable land that can be used to produce and consume in mass quantities:
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Corn- America produces 40% of the world’s corn. It is used to make foods such as tortillas, cornbread, high fructose corn syrup, and more.
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Wheat- another mass-produced grain that is used to make bread, cereals, pasta, pancakes, biscuits, and a variety of other products.
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Sugar- includes sugars from sugar cane, honey, and maple syrup to sweeten foods and beverages.
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Meats- livestock is prevalent producing a large volume of poultry, beef, and pork that is served around the country.
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Potatoes- another American staple used in many dishes.
Cooking Techniques:
Depending on the region, American cuisine offers a wide array of cooking techniques. Some of the most common cooking methods are:
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Grilling
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Smoking
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Deep Frying
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Slow Cooking
Health Benefits:
Although the American culture has a reputation for indulgence, there are a variety of healthful experiences to explore. Farm-to-table meals and healthier alternatives are expanding in American cuisine, which has helped to provide more options to choose from.
Regional variations offer a wide array of dietary options as well. These include the Mediterranean-inspired meals of California to the seafood-rich diet of New England. American cuisine offers a variety of options for many different dietary preferences and palates!