A West Virginia original, the pepperoni roll is a baked roll filled with pepperoni. It's a portable and satisfying snack that has become a regional favorite. 1)
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are a pungent and flavorful wild onion native to the Appalachian region. They are celebrated in West Virginia and used in various dishes during ramp season. 2)
West Virginia is known for its apple orchards, and apple butter is a popular preserve made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices until they become a thick, spreadable consistency. 3)
A classic Appalachian dish, soup beans (usually pinto beans) and cornbread make for a simple and comforting meal. It's often served with sliced onions, green onions, or chow-chow (a pickled relish). 4)
West Virginians have a unique way of topping their hot dogs. A hot dog with “everything” typically includes chili, mustard, coleslaw, and onions. 5)
The pawpaw is a native fruit in West Virginia, and it has a custard-like texture and a tropical flavor. It's often used in desserts, such as pawpaw pudding. 6)
A pickled relish made from a variety of vegetables, chow-chow is a common condiment in West Virginia. It adds a tangy and flavorful kick to dishes like soup beans and hot dogs. 7)
Made with local apples and a sweet pastry, West Virginia apple dumplings are a delicious dessert. They are often served with a drizzle of cinnamon sugar syrup. 8)
West Virginia hosts ramp festivals celebrating the pungent wild leek. These events feature ramp-centric dishes, live music, and community gatherings. 9)
A Southern Appalachian tradition, red-eye gravy is made by deglazing a pan with black coffee after frying country ham. It's often served over biscuits or grits. 10)
In traditional Appalachian cuisine, fried squirrel is a dish that reflects the region's hunting culture. The meat is often breaded and fried until crispy. 11)
A simple type of cornbread, corn dodgers are small, round cornmeal cakes that are often pan-fried or baked. They are a staple in West Virginia meals. 12)
A sweet twist on the classic biscuits and gravy, chocolate gravy is a popular breakfast or brunch dish in West Virginia. It involves a sweet chocolate sauce poured over biscuits. 13)
West Virginia cuisine showcases the region's agricultural abundance, Appalachian traditions, and a love for hearty, comforting dishes. The unique flavors and culinary heritage make it a distinctive and flavorful part of American cuisine. 14)
Butterfly tea, made from the flowers of the butterfly pea plant, is a traditional Appalachian herbal tea. It changes color from blue to purple when lemon juice is added. 15)