West Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, boasts a unique and flavorful culinary landscape. From time-honored traditions to inventive uses of local ingredients, the state offers a delectable array of dishes and festivals that celebrate its rich food heritage. So, What Is West Virginia Known For Food? Let’s dive in and explore some of the state’s most iconic foods and the festivals dedicated to them.
Pepperoni Rolls: A West Virginia Staple
The pepperoni roll is arguably West Virginia’s most famous food. This savory treat, consisting of pepperoni baked inside a soft bread roll, originated in the 1930s as a convenient and portable meal for coal miners. Today, it remains a beloved snack and a symbol of West Virginia’s culinary identity.
The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival in Clarksburg, recognized as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, pays homage to the state’s Italian heritage and, of course, the pepperoni roll. Similarly, the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival in Wheeling also celebrates this iconic food.
Maple Syrup: A Sweet Mountain Tradition
Maple syrup production in West Virginia dates back to Native Americans and early settlers, who relied on it as their primary source of sugar. Today, the tradition continues, with families collecting sap from maple trees and boiling it down into a rich, golden syrup.
The Maple Syrup Festival in Pickens, held annually on the third Saturday in March, celebrates this sweet mountain tradition.
Golden Delicious Apples: A West Virginia Original
West Virginia is the birthplace of the Golden Delicious Apple, the state’s official fruit. Discovered in Clay County in 1912, this crisp, yellow-skinned apple is celebrated each September at the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival.
Black Walnuts: A Nutty Celebration
The Black Walnut Festival in Spencer honors the eastern black walnut (Juglans negra), a native nut with a distinctive flavor. This October festival features themed activities, including a black walnut cake baking contest and a 5K Nut Run.
Strawberries: A Berry Delightful Festival
The West Virginia Strawberry Festival in Buckhannon began as a way for local strawberry growers to sell their berries. Today, it’s a week-long celebration of the fruit and its farmers, filled with family fun.
Ramps: A Pungent Appalachian Delicacy
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are a pungent vegetable that grows in the mountains of West Virginia. The Feast of the Ramson in Richwood celebrates this unique ingredient with a traditional meal of ramps cooked in bacon grease, served with scrambled eggs, ham, pinto beans, and sassafras tea.
Honey: A Sweet and Educational Festival
The West Virginia State Honey Festival in Parkersburg aims to educate the community about the importance of honey and honey bees. Held annually on the fourth weekend in August, this festival features entertainment, crafts, and a variety of honey products.
Molasses: A Taste of Tradition
Since the 1920s, Calhoun County farm families have gathered to make molasses from sugarcane. The West Virginia Molasses Festival in Arnoldsburg, held on the last full weekend of September, honors this tradition with molasses-making demonstrations and opportunities to purchase this sticky sweetener.
Buckwheat Pancakes: A Preston County Favorite
The Preston County Buckwheat Festival, one of West Virginia’s oldest festivals, celebrates what was once one of the county’s most important crops: buckwheat. Historic Hazelton Mill is re-started around festival time to grind and bag the flour, which can be purchased year-round in the region.
Apple Butter: An Autumnal Treat
The Apple Butter Festival in Berkeley Springs celebrates the orchards of the Eastern Panhandle with apple butter and baking contests. The Salem Apple Butter Festival is another long-standing tradition for apple butter enthusiasts.
“Roadkill” & Wild Game: A Quirky Culinary Adventure
The West Virginia Roadkill Cook-Off and Autumn Harvest in Marlinton features wild game prepared with creative recipes. Visitors can sample exotic dishes like squirrel gravy over biscuits, teriyaki-marinated bear, and deer sausage.
West Virginia Slaw Dogs: A Hot Dog with a Twist
The West Virginia Hot Dog Festival in Huntington celebrates the area’s family-owned hot dog joints. A traditional West Virginia “slaw dog” is prepared with mustard, onions, sauce (chili), and cole slaw.
West Virginia’s culinary scene is a reflection of its Appalachian heritage, its agricultural bounty, and its community spirit. From pepperoni rolls to ramp feasts, the state offers a diverse range of flavors and festivals that are sure to delight any food lover.
