7 Famous Florida Foods for the Whole Family
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Ahh, Florida. Sun-drenched days, stunning beaches — and some of the tastiest dishes around.
From classic favorites like key lime pie and Cuban sandwiches to seafood specialties and oddities — these famous Florida foods are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters in the family. You might need to look out for your favorite sweet-tooth people, though, lest you risk a trip to the dentist — Fort Lauderdale and all of Florida's other cities have plenty of them.
It's time for a delicious culinary journey throughout The Sunshine State — let's explore some iconic Florida flavors:
1. Conch
Conch has been a staple in Floridian cuisine since the days of Spanish exploration. This mollusk is often served in salads, chowders, fritters, and stews. As you can guess, its main benefit is its extreme versatility — conch can be fried, baked or boiled for a delicious meal.
2. Florida Oranges
Nothing says "Florida" quite like a juicy orange. The state is world-famous for its citrus production, particularly oranges, which are grown all year round. Whether picking up some fresh from a roadside stand or enjoying a glass of juice in the morning, there's no better place to have an orange than in Florida.
3. Grouper
Grouper fillets have a mild flavor, light sweetness, and firm texture that holds together well against grilling or baking. Its mild flavor makes it perfect for marinades or sauces, as its delicate taste can complement any way it's prepared.
4. Cuban Sandwiches
When looking for something more substantial than a snack, you can't go wrong with a Cuban sandwich. This classic dish originated in Cuban immigrant communities and spread throughout the state like wildfire. Traditionally, they're made using roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles pressed between two slices of Cuban bread, but however you slice it, it's a great lunch option that everyone in the family will love.
5. Pink Shrimp
Named for its pinkish hue, this type of shrimp is found in the shallow waters off the coasts of South Florida and is renowned for its deliciously sweet flavor. Perfectly cooked on the grill or sautéed in butter, this delectable shellfish makes any meal special.
6. Key Lime Pie
No trip to (or dessert in) Florida would be complete without a slice of key lime pie. This classic dessert is made with sweetened condensed milk and tart key limes mixed and baked into a graham cracker crust. The result is an incredibly tangy-sweet treat that will tingle the taste buds. Top it off with freshly whipped cream for an extra special treat.
7. Stone Crab
For anyone who's never had stone crabs before, now's the chance. Found in abundance in South Florida waters between October and May, people can even go out and catch them themselves so long as they only harvest the claws. Once procured, the shells crack open easily, making it easy to get at the succulent meat inside.
Source: iQuanti, Inc.