What food can you only eat once a year?
Food you can eat once in a year.
Every culture around the world has its own unique set of custom-made culinary dishes that are only eaten at special occasions or festivals. Food can be an integral part of a people’s culture as it holds a special significance and a deeper meaning to its people. One of the most interesting and beloved of these occasions is the consumption of seasonally-specific food that can only be eaten once a year.
For many, traditional times of celebration are not complete without specific dishes prepared the same way they were centuries before. While appearing simple and ordinary to the untrained eye, the structure, artistry, and history behind the making of these dishes and desserts is nothing short of extraordinary.
In Germany
In Germany, a popular seasonal dessert eaten only once a year is the Fasnacht. Made from slices of deep-fried dough, these pastries are topped with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. This is traditionally eaten during the celebration of Fasnacht or German Carnival, which takes place in February of every year.
In France
In France, rose-shaped edible pieces of art called Macarons can be found at pastry shops between the months of April and August. This delicate treat is made from a combination of egg, coconut, flour, and pink food colouring, then filled with a choice of cream or butter.
In United Kingdom
The United Kingdom celebrates the 1st of January with a dish unique to the country, known as the Scotch pie. This savoury snack is filled with minced beef and cooked in a special shortcrust pastry. It is served with mashed potatoes and vegetables and is a wildly popular dish in pubs and restaurants throughout the United Kingdom.
American South
The American South is known for the unique combination of a classic sandwich and a breakfast staple that results in the creation of their version of the Monte Cristo. Ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and mustard are sandwiched between two pieces of glazed French toast, then deep-fried and served with a powdered sugar coating for added sweetness. This sandwich can be found in restaurants and specialty delis across the South.
In Japan
In Japan, buckets of fried chicken are cooked and served during the Hanami festival in April. KFC Japan uses the traditional methods of making Japan’s Katsu Curry to cook the chicken to perfection. This particular style of frying chicken is usually served with a special type of Japanese curry that ensures the dish is uniquely one of a kind.
No matter the occasion or holiday, classic recipes and seasonally-specific dishes are the special ingredients needed to create many of the menus of celebrations around the world. Whether it is a deep-fried doughnut in Germany or some crispy fried chicken in Japan, there are food items that are only consumed once a year that bring culture, life stories, and nostalgia to the table. It is through these delicacies that friends, families, and strangers come together and share their joy and happiness with each other.