National New England Clam Chowder Day

A smiling person holding a steaming bowl of creamy New England clam chowder, wearing a cozy sweater, coastal seaside scenery in the background.. — National new england clam chowder day illustration

Ah, New England clam chowder! Is there anything more satisfying than a steaming bowl of creamy goodness, filled with tender clams and chunks of potatoes? We think not. And lucky for all of us clam chowder enthusiasts, there's a special day devoted to this heavenly dish - National New England Clam Chowder Day!

When is New England Clam Chowder Day?

It's national new england clam chowder day on the 21st January.

The Origins of National New England Clam Chowder Day

Every food has its day, and chowder lovers around the country can rejoice on January 21st, as it's the designated day to celebrate the beloved New England clam chowder. But how did this day come to be?

The history behind National New England Clam Chowder Day is as rich as the soup itself. It all started with a group of clam chowder aficionados who felt that this iconic New England dish deserved its own day of recognition. They wanted to spread their love for clam chowder far and wide, and what better way to do it than by dedicating a whole day to this culinary masterpiece?

After months of rallying for support, sending out petitions, and trending hashtags like #ChowderLove, their efforts paid off. In 2016, the first National New England Clam Chowder Day was officially recognized. Since then, it has become an annual celebration for seafood lovers and soup enthusiasts alike.

How to Celebrate National New England Clam Chowder Day

Now that you know the history, it's time to dig into some delicious clam chowder and celebrate this special day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Gather your loved ones and host a clam chowder cook-off. Invite friends and family to bring their best homemade chowder and let the taste-testing begin!
Visit your favorite seafood restaurant and treat yourself to a piping hot bowl of New England clam chowder. Extra points if you pair it with a side of oyster crackers!
Get creative in the kitchen and try making your own clam chowder from scratch. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your signature bowl of goodness.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to savor every spoonful of creamy, clam-filled bliss.

History behind the term 'New England Clam Chowder'

1732

The Origins of Chowder

Clam chowder traces its roots back to the early 18th century in England. The word 'chowder' is thought to come from the French word 'chaudière,' which refers to a large pot used for cooking. Early chowders were seafood stews made from a variety of fish, often including clams.

1820

The Arrival in New England

In the early 19th century, a new version of chowder made its way to the shores of New England. This adaptation, known as 'New England clam chowder,' quickly gained popularity in the region. It featured clams as the primary ingredient and was enriched with cream, giving it a rich and creamy texture.

1894

The Maine Clam Chowder Law

In 1894, the state of Maine passed a law officially defining what could be considered 'true' or 'real' clam chowder. The law stated that chowder must be made with milk or cream, potatoes, onions, and primarily contain clams. This legislation aimed to protect the authenticity of New England clam chowder and preserve its traditional ingredients.

1939

The Manhattan Chowder Controversy

In 1939, a competing version of clam chowder emerged in New York City, known as 'Manhattan clam chowder.' Unlike its New England counterpart, Manhattan chowder was tomato-based and included ingredients like vegetables and herbs. This sparked a friendly rivalry between the two chowder variations, with New England clam chowder enthusiasts staunchly defending their creamy version as the quintessential chowder.

1983

National Clam Chowder Day

To celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of clam chowder, February 25th was designated as National Clam Chowder Day in the United States. This day provides an opportunity for chowder lovers across the nation to indulge in their favorite seafood soup and appreciate the diverse regional variations, including New England and Manhattan styles.

Did you know?

Did you know that New England clam chowder dates back to the early 18th century? It was originally introduced by French and British settlers who brought their techniques and recipes with them. Over time, the dish evolved into the iconic creamy soup we know and love today.