Cuisine of New England
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New England cuisine is a type of American cuisine found in New England, the northeastern region of the United States. New England cooking is characterized by extensive use of seafood and dairy products, which results from its historical reliance on its seaports and fishing industry, as well as extensive dairy farming in states like Vermont. Two outstandingly characteristic ingredients native to New England are maple syrup and cranberries. Well into the 19th century, molasses from the Caribbean and honey were staple sweeteners for all but the upper class. The Mediterranean herbs are not hardy in much of New England away from the coast: parsley and sage are New England herbs, with a few Caribbean additions like nutmeg. The starch is potato. The favored cooking techniques are stewing and baking.
Maine is known for its lobster, once a poor man's supper; Vermont is known for its cheddar cheese and maple syrup; coastal Massachusetts is known for its clams, cod (formerly), haddock, and cranberries, while apples are grown in the state's interior (Johnny Appleseed heralded from this commonwealth). Rhode Island is known for quahog clams, johnny cakes and coffee milk. Connecticut and New Hampshire do not add anything distinctive to New England cuisine, but rather share all of the qualities of the other states.
New England is also known for many of its fine, local lagers and ales, the most famous of which is Samuel Adams of the Boston Beer Company in Boston, Massachusetts, even though the recipe for the beer does not come from New England.
Even today, traditional cuisine remains a strong part of New England's identity. Some of its plates are now enjoyed by the entire United States, including clam chowder, baked beans, and homemade ice cream.
Currently, the oldest operating restaurant in the United States, the Union Oyster House, is located in Boston, Massachusetts.
The strongest outside influences transforming traditional New England cooking in the last century have been the Irish of Boston, the Portuguese fishermen of coastal New England, and the Italians.
- various types of seafood (often fried, baked, broiled, or boiled):
- New England boiled dinner - corned beef and cabbage, reflecting the Irish heritage of the Boston area.
- New England clam bake
- Boston baked beans and brown bread
- Chowder, or more specifically, New England clam chowder
- Lobster roll
- premium ice creams from local dairies as well as companies like Ben and Jerry's
- johnny cakes
- hasty pudding
- succotash
- apple cider
- cranberry juice and cranberry bread
- Boston cream doughnuts and other pastries
Famous New England food and drink companies
- Hood Milk
- Friendly's Ice Cream of Western Massachusetts
- Dunkin' Donuts of Quincy, Massachusetts
- Ben & Jerry's of Vermont
- Boston Beer Company, maker of Samuel Adams
- Necco Wafers