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5 Myths about Soul Food

Think you know soul food? Think again. Author Adrian Miller attempts to dispel several of the myths surrounding food for the soul in his new book “Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time.” Here we will uncover 5 of the most common soul food myths. Ready? Let’s get started!

1. Soul Food & Southern Food are Basically the Same

While soul food shares a common heritage with Southern food, there are some distinct differences—one of which includes how the food is seasoned. In addition, soul food is likely to feature variety meats, such as:

• Chitlins
• Oxtails
• Pigs’ feet

2. Chitlins were the Master’s Leftovers

Contrary to popular belief, chitlins were not a slave owner’s leftover food. History tells us that chitlins were a prestige food in Old Europe. Often, the gentry in Europe and France would eat the intestines after a deer hunt. In some slave narratives, slaves were beaten for not cooking chitlins well enough for the master’s table. It’s not until after emancipation that chitlins loses its prestige and is labeled a poverty food.

3. Yams are Sweet Potatoes

There is a lot of confusion surrounding yams and sweet potatoes. Much of the confusion comes from how the term “yam” is used interchangeably in U.S. markets. Most yams sold in U.S. grocery stores are not really yams at all, but instead, soft, copper skin sweet potatoes. Actual yams are most commonly found in Africa and Asia and are rarely seen in U.S. grocery stores.

4. Soul Food is Unhealthy

Originally, soul food was actually very healthy. In the Antebellum South, soul food was primarily based on seasonal vegetables with very little meat included. The building blocks of soul food were:

• Dark leafy greens
• Sweet potatoes
• Legumes
• Fish

Soul food’s reputation as an unhealthy cuisine began when more celebration and processed foods entered the diet.

Red is Only a Color

Red is not just a color, it is a flavor. In soul food, red can include flavors such as:

• Cherry
• Strawberry
• Tropical punch

See the full list of soul food myths in Adrian Miller’s new book. Ready to experience authentic soul food restaurants? Book a tour with Sweet Magnolia Tours. Get started by browsing our vacation packages today!