What are Grits and Where Do They Come From?

Grits, or hominy grits, are a staple of the Southern United States. They’re widely known to be a breakfast item, served with butter, cheese, gravy, and whatever other toppings your heart desires. But what are grits made from, and where do they come from?

Grits are made from dried white, yellow, or blue corn kernels. They’re usually dried by soaking the kernels in a solution of either lye or lime water, a process known as “nixtamalization”. After the soaking process, the kernels are ground into coarse bits, which are then cooked in boiling water.

The result is a dish that is cooked just like a porridge, although it can also be ground to a more fine texture and served as a side dish. Grits can also be served cold in certain recipes, such as a chilled salad.

The History of Grits

Grits were first introduced to North America by native tribes. The Tassaw (Tutelo people) were the first to bring the cereal with them when they relocated to the East Coast of what is now the United States.

The Tassaw eventually began to cultivate their own crops, which included maize or corn. Grits were then created through the process mentioned above, resulting in a porridge-like dish that the tribe ate as part of a staple diet.

In the 1700s and 1800s, grits became a staple of Southern cuisine as the region was settled by European colonists. It was quickly adopted by African-Americans, who added their own flavoring to the dish.

Grits Today

Today, grits are still the cornerstone of Southern cuisine, particularly in the US states of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. They’re typically served as a breakfast item with savory toppings such as cheese, eggs, and sausage. They can also be served as a side dish with a variety of different recipes.

Regardless of how it is served, grits remain a fixture of Southern life and cooking. Making them at home is fairly easy, especially when you’re armed with the right ingredients and process. And while they may take some getting used to, they can be a delicious and nutritious part of your diet.