Iconic Pennsylvania Foods You Must Try: A Gastronomic Journey through the Keystone State

It is a pleasure to extend a cordial invitation to Pennsylvania’s welcoming Lee, Harris, and Turner families. The highly renowned Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, which finds its origin in Lancaster, as well as its Philadelphia and Pittsburgh counterparts, are what we will be focussing on in this blog. From Philly cheesesteak to the scoff pie and salad… There is an expansive delicacy awaiting you in the Pennsylvania state, and as we further examine the cuisine and its flavors more closely, one will be sure to gain a further understanding of their culture and roots; savoring the dish only goes hand in hand. Whether you mark yourself as an American or a tourist, it is essential to note that this article accommodates food enthusiasts and those looking to experience firsthand how American cuisine embodies the robust Italian food culture. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What Makes Lancaster a Hub for Pennsylvania Dutch Foods?

Lancaster has been dubbed the center for Pennsylvania Dutch Foods due to its deep history and potent cultural richness. It is home to a dynamic Amish community that has forever preserved the ancestral Dutch recipes and culinary know-how. The fertile land in Lancaster is rich in various fresh ingredients, which serve as the core to the unique cuisine. The amalgamation of Dutch Tibetan traditions and a blend of agriculture has ensured an unchanged commitment to culinary heritage. Thus, Lancaster has become an international hub for Pennsylvania Dutch foods. Hearty chicken pot pie is a specialty alongside shoofly pie, homemade sausages and in-house grown farm vegetables, Lancaster is every bit of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.

Exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Food Traditions

Pennsylvania Dutch food combines the culinary heritage of the German-speaking immigrants that populate the area. This form of cooking is representative of the Amish and Mennonite cultures. Thus, the food portrays an emphasis on simple and comforting dishes. Below are some of the three distinct characteristics of Pennsylvania Dutch foodways worth noting:

• Being able to taste Scrapple, Ample Minimum Dish would be one of the most satisfying explorative Pennsylvania dishes to try: Pennsylvania Dutch cooking comprises a range of mounds like chicken pot pie, a stew with chicken, chop , and assorted vegetables encased by a pastry pillow Shell. A standard offering from the Dutch people includes pork and sauerkraut, which is almost always served for poor New Year’s Day.
• Considering Bakeries, a few types of Pennsylvania pastries are cherished: Whoopie pies, sticky buns, and Shoofly pies are on the list. Shoofly pie is a traditional pie made of maltose and a nutty top layer, while sticky buns are marshmallow-like and pastry-style with gooey layers of caramel and pecans. Whoopie pies are a sweet treat revolving around cream premium sandwiched between two softish biscuits and are regarded as a specialty by Pennsylvania Dutch pastry chefs.
• Preservation and Canning are essential practices used to capture the taste of Pennsylvania’s special foods. The Pennsylvania Dutch culture is strongly rooted in active farming, and it considers the preservation of foods a necessity. During the harvest season, Jams, Pickles, and Relishes are made from fruits and vegetables grown locally to ensure that these flavors can be available throughout the year.
• Farm-to-Table Concept: The cuisine of the Pennsylvania Dutch is also influenced by the agriculture of Lancaster County. Farm-fresh vegetables, homemade sausages, and local cheese form an integral part of authentic meals.

The food customs of Pennsylvania Dutch foster a beautiful experience rich in the region’s history and culture. From a hearty pot pie to a slice of a shoofly pie, everyone can feel the spirit, warmth, and authenticity of some of the dishes that are characteristic of a unique culture.

The Role of Amish Culture in Lancaster Cuisine

The food culture of Lancaster Country is heavily influenced by the Amish, who influence the region’s values of tradition, self-sustainment, and a diverse agricultural lifestyle. By sourcing fresh ingredients, the Amish farmers ensure that meals contain authenticity while largely reflecting the region’s agricultural traditions.

Amish farmers heavily rely on locally sourced dairy products, homemade sausages, and seasonal fresh vegetables. Given their focus on preservation through canning and pickling, Amish people are self-sufficient and can provide throughout the year. All of these cooking practices bring a sense of community together, making food an aspect of morals and values that will be cherished greatly for generations.

In Lancaster, you can fully experience the Amish heritage and try out various delicious dishes at local farmers’ markets, authentic Pennsylvania Dutch diners, and small roadside shops. Amish cuisine is filled with wonderful delight, from filling casseroles and classic pot pies to mouthwatering shoofly pies and locally made jams. So when you are in Lancaster, remember to appreciate this beautiful cuisine and its unaffectedness to the culture and the region.

Must-Try Shoofly Pie and Other Sweet Treats

When in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the locals and visitors will both advise you to try the famous Shoofly Pie, a rich delicacy made with a filling of molasses and streusel. However, the food scene of the area offers more, as there are also melt-in-the-mouth whoopie pies, apple dumplings, and homemade preserves to try. When visiting the area, list on trying new sweet treats and desserts, as they won’t disappoint.

Irresistible Charm of Shoofly Pie 

Pennsylvanian Dutch food culture is incomplete without the famous Shoofly Pie, making it a local favorite dessert. The name is amusing because it flies in the air, attracting attention, which has caused the need to “shoo” it away. Shoofly Pie can be described as a richly flavored pie with a distinct taste, adding to its unique twist on the dumpling. It can be consumed at any time of the day, making it the go-to dish for anyone and everyone looking to treat themselves.

In-depth Analysis of the Delicious Desserts Available in Lancaster

Even though Shoofly Pie is king, Lancaster still offers many enticing dishes. Enjoy an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch whoopie pie, a tea treat with two cake-like cookies and sweet and smooth icing. Alternatively, there are seasonal pies filled with fruits or homemade apple dumplings, which are a local favorite. Last but not least, there are fruity preserves, which are freshly prepared in Lancaster from local produce.

Lancaster is an amazing region to visit, especially for food lovers. There are many desserts to choose from, from the Shoofly Pie to a variety of other dishes. Lancaster has you covered no matter how specific a food lover you are.

How is the Philly Cheesesteak an Iconic Pennsylvania Food?

The Origins of the Philly Cheesesteak

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has claimed the Philly cheesesteak as its traditional food for years, and its history is slightly fuzzy. Some say it originates in the 30s which is uncontested. A hot dog seller from South Philadelphia called Pat OIivieri is credited with inventing the sandwich, according to the lore. One day, he decided to switch it up while preparing hotdogs. Pat fired up a grill and threw some beef on a hoagie roll. A passing taxi driver caught wind of the aroma and asked to taste the sandwich, resulting in the first-ever Philly Cheesesteak being made.

The Cheesesteak consists of rib eye or top round steak that has been grilled alongside onions, which are then sandwiched between provolone and American, or cheez whiz as a substitute. The sandwiches ingredients and all of the elements compliment each other, allowing the taste to astonish one’s palate.’ Philadelphia might be known for the cheesesteak; however, it feels more like I am trying something that is out of this world and not out of the regular cheesesteak.

Even though Pat Olivieri’s sandwich stall came to dominate the local food scene in the beginning, over time, other Philadelphia vendors realized the potential of the cheesesteak sandwich, which subsequently evolved into a city trait. Currently, many restaurants in Philadelphia and in the surrounding areas offer this amazing sandwich, although they all have their interpretations.

So, if you happen to be in Philadelphia or you are just passing by, take the chance to try a cheesesteak, a delicious reminder of Pennsylvania’s history.

Key Ingredients: Melted Cheese and Long Hoagie Roll

Regarding the simple, traditional, and straight-cut sandwich, the American masterpiece called the “Philly cheesesteak” holds a premier spot in the delicacy section as a ’sandwich’. Cheese of melted variety (usually American or Provolone) works magic when lobbed onto beef or steak (sliced or very tender pieces). Served on a long hoagie roll, the cheesesteak allows for a flavor explosion due to a slightly crusty and soft texture. During the combination, the flavor somehow reflects or represents Philadelphia’s cultural history and food landscape. Now, that’s a delicacy to relish.

The classic way to prepare and assemble the sandwich remains more or less the same regardless of establishment location. This, however, isn’t the case for the bread roll used to prepare the sandwich, as the style ranges from vendor to vendor. Nonetheless, due to the perfectly complementing attributes of melted cheese and a hoagie, Philadelphia stole the hearts of millions and gave them a culinary blessing that is the Philly cheesesteak.

Best Places to Enjoy a Philly Cheesesteak

It makes sense to mention where I like to indulge in a mouthwatering Philly Cheesesteak, especially as a cheese lover based in Pennsylvania. Numerous places have gotten down to the art of making this revered delicacy, and these include various restaurants and joints from all over the country. If you are the kind who enjoys pairing overcooked Philadelphia steak with melted cheese or the one that would go out on a limb for substitutes of such great cheesesteak, then worry not, these hotels have you covered. Prepare yourself for a burst of taste and touch that embodies the very idea of devouring a classic Philly Cheesesteak.

What Unique Flavors Does Scrapple Bring to the Table?

The History of Scrapple in Pennsylvania

Regarded as an essential aspect of Western PA food, scrapple is riddled with interesting flavors that go back to colonial times in Pennsylvania, when cooks first created it to use pork scraps. Originating out of Germany and Pennsylvania, today, scrapple is made by kicking pork scraps together with cornmeal, flour, and spices, decorating it in a loaf shape. Although the exact recipe tends to shift, this dish is a great example of the innovative and resourceful nature of the Pennsylvania culinary landscape due to the result being a crispy and savory treat.

How Scrapple is Made from Pork Scraps

In Pennsylvania, scrapple is a well-liked dish made with a careful and specific combination of pork scraps, cornmeal, flour, and spices. This blend is an amazing dish and a great example of the region’s culinary inventions.

To begin making scrapple, pork scraps are first taken and finely ground. The cuts selected can vary; for example, they may include head, liver, and heart alongside cuts of lean pork. This cutting ensures that the entire animal is utilized and even demonstrates Judeo-Christian ideals of thriftiness in the region’s culture.

Next, the ground pork, cornmeal, flour, and spices are mixed. Some of the common spices are sage, thyme, nutmeg, and black pepper. The final taste of scrapple is determined by the quantity of these spices, as well as molasses and brown sugar.

The last step involves frying the previously made loaf mixture into golden crispy and brown scrapple slices, the inners of the scrapple will be soft and savory. In this way, a new dish is invented.

Textarea Output 3

The outcome is a delicious combination of crispy bacon and soft sausage patties. Due to the unique combination of flavors and textures, scrapple is an integral element of Pennsylvania dialect cuisine, maintaining the legacy of German and Pennsylvania Dutch.

While enjoying scrapple, take a moment to admire the skill and ingenuity of spinning pork scraps into such a delightful and mouthful plate that depicts the memory of Pennsylvania’s food history.

Serving Suggestions for a Hearty Meal

In the case of integrating scrapple into a breakfast comb, a few serving optionalities help accentuate the taste and feel of scrapple. Good ways to help optimize your experience with Scrapple are as follows:

1.  Scrapple With Eggs: Scrapple commonly goes well with eggs, so serving it alongside eggs, toast, and hashbrowns will taste great. The crispy texture of scrapple, together with fluffy eggs and slightly warm bread, results in a nice, complete meal.
2. Scrapple Sandwiches Scrapple can also be used as an addition to sandwiches. Adding it to a roll and your favorite cheese or some lettuce and tomatoes can enhance the feel and taste of the sandwich.
3. Scrapple With Sauerkraut: Owing to the influence of Pennsylvania Dutch, sauerkraut goes well along with scrapple—Sauerkraut’s sour tang alongside the rich taste of scrapple results in a beautiful dish.
4. Scrapple Benedict: Scrapple can also be used to alter the traditional Canadian bacon in scrambled eggs Benedict, putting it alongside poached eggs on an English muffin, all drizzled with hollandaise.

Scrapple is a versatile dish that can be eaten in a variety of ways. Feel free to add different tastes and combinations of ingredients to your scrapple dishes. Have fun!

Why is the Pittsburgh Salad a Favorite PA Dish?

Understanding the Unique French Fries Topping

French fries define the Pittsburgh Salad. The people of Pittsburgh came up with the idea of putting French fries on their salad, thus making this topping a local specialty and a great delight throughout the state. Adding French fries puts a crunchy twist on healthy greens and other ingredients, which is a little absurd but has now gained immense popularity in Pittsburgh. It is pretty astonishing for people to experience such a novel idea and the culinary essence of Pennsylvania when they eat Pittsburgh Salad.

Variations of the Pittsburgh Salad

A salad with the name of Pittsburgh has a history that has been imprinted by many who have tried this salad. Many places or individuals have creatively placed their mark within this dish. Some of these modifications are:

1. Classic Pittsburgh Salad: Ingredients for this traditional dish consist of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, some red onions, shredded cheddar, and french fries, along with the dressing, which is usually ranch or Italian.
2. Buffalo Chicken Pittsburgh Salad: Buffalos are really spicy chicken, and when it’s added to a salad, which includes the regular ingredients, french fries, it creates a new salady flavor amalgamation.
3. Steak Pittsburgh Salad: Chicken is not an appealing dish for some; if you are one, grab a salad with an alternate form, beef. So, the salad contains various fresh vegetables and french fries, added with tender pieces of grilled or marinated steak, the dressing of the salad.
4. Vegetarian Pittsburgh Salad: Whether you want a chicken salad or a steak mad, it’s entirely based on your preference. If you’re vegetarian, grab grilled tofu, seitan, or even plant-based chicken strips, and the rest will remain the same.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork Pittsburgh Salad: It adds a delicious flavor to BBQ pulled pork, which is already tangy and tender, and it is used in the Pittsburgh salad. The fusion of smokey taste, crispy fries, and fresh vegetables gives a burst of contrasting flavors and textures.

I have to laugh a little, but the Pittsburgh salad community is really great and extremely inventive, which is why they have too many of these salads to try out. From traditional to strange, there is, in any case, a Pittsburgh salad that suits everyone. So, be sure to indulge in what this city has to offer your taste buds, whether you are a native or just an explorer.

Where to Find the Best Pittsburgh Salad

Pittsburgh Salad ingredients are many and varied, and if properly combined, they can result in an even better salad than the ones served in local eateries. Many cafes and restaurants are famous for serving this great pizza, which is an icon in the state of Pennsylvania.

1. Primanti Brothers: They serve one of the best Pittsburgh salads in the city, and it is a beloved tradition in this city. Wherever you are in the city, feel free to visit any of their locations and try their version of this delicious dish.
2. In addition to the best Pittsburgh salads for breakfast and brunch, Pamela’s Diner also serves a great Pittsburgh salad. You must visit and try out their version of the city favorite with a twist.
3. The Porch At Schenley: The Porch At Schenley Pittsburgh salad is made from freshly available ingredients, and it is affordable. It is also available in an outdoor setting, which makes the experience even better.
4. If anyone is looking for Bigham Tavern, which serves a variety and is one of the best in the city, it is a must-try. Big Gazebo is a favorite for its presentation but also for its range of Pittsburgh salads. From the classics to the out-of-bounds, there is something for every palate.
5. Salud Juicery: The Pittsburgh Salad does have its healthy adjustments at Salud Juicery, where greens, fruits, nuts, and other healthy bits may be added. Stop by one of their many city locations and give the salad a try for yourself… or for a reviving snack.

These are just a few establishments where you can find exceptional Pittsburgh Salads. Each venue offers its own distinct spin on this local favorite, making it appealing for all those looking to try it out. Whether you are from the city or simply visiting, you should go check out these restaurants, which are said to serve the best Pittsburgh Salad.

How Does the Philly Pretzel Factory Perfect the Soft Pretzel?

The Art of Crafting a Perfect Soft Pretzel

Making a soft pretzel from scratch isn’t just about mixing flour and salt. The people at Philly Pretzel Factory would tell you that the art of making a soft pretzel is not only about integrating quality, consistency, and precision, but the process must also be on point. What’s most interesting is the technicality and methodology behind making a pretzel; let’s take a look at the steps how pretzels are made:

1. Dough Preparation: The process starts by preparing the dough, which consists mainly of flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is then thoroughly blended to achieve the desired texture and body of the mixture.
2. Shaping the Pretzels: Pretzel makers now take over. The dough is now being shaped and twisted around to achieve the distinct look pretzels have. Rotation of the dough is the most crucial part here as it requires a lot of consistency for the required thickness and shape.
3. Pretzels have to be boiled to gain texture and color. The procedure is straightforward: After the pretzel gets shaped, it is soaked in a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate for around 30 seconds. This step is what makes the nose pretzel soft and chewy, but something worth noticing is the golden color that is ingrained with the pretzel.
4. Seasoning the pretzel: The seasoning starts after the pretzel is boiled. Once out of the boiling warm water, it’s dipped into coarse salt or desired toppings, adding flavor to the pretzel.
5. Baking: The pretzels are baked in an oven at a predetermined temperature for a certain length to obtain a brown outer layer with a slightly soft, fluffy, and well-done center. The time duration and temperature are set so the quality is controlled.

Philly Pretzel Factory takes great pride in this art, which is why their customers are delighted. The outcome of this elaborate process of their invention is a warm pretzel with a faint exterior coating and a soft, fluffy center.

What Makes Philly Pretzel Factory Stand Out?

Philly Pretzel Factory sets itself apart from the industry in the realm of soft pretzels by perfecting the art of making the pretzel. Blending age-old practices with high-quality ingredients, Philly Pretzel Factory ensures that compromising on either end delivers a soft, warm center with a crunchy exterior. Given below are a few aspects that make Philly Pretzel Factory stand out from the rest of the competition:

1. Philly Pretzel Factory recognizes the true recipe and the appropriate method of producing soft pretzels to provide a realistic pretzel experience: Philly makes sure to prepare the ingredients so that they won’t lose any amount of genuine flavor through an intricate and precise process, enabling them to create the needed mouthwatering appeal.
2. Boiling and seasoning are irreplaceable parts of the big picture while making Pennsylvania foods. Try these Philadelphia pretzels. A quintessential part of making pretzels includes Briefly dumping the pretzel in warm water and sodium carbonate to assist with the formation of the required golden color. However, that’s not all. After boiling, the pretzel gets an added coarse salt or a topping of choice to enhance the taste.
3. Master Level Baking Skills: After seasoning, the pretzels are placed in a hot oven with temperature and time features for a high-quality brown crust while maintaining their soft interior.
4. Customer Focus: Philly Pretzel Factory believes in making pretzels that appeal to its clientele. We strive to exceed their expectations, be it steaming hot pretzels straight out of the bakery or a range of specialty dipping sauces and toppings to accompany them.

Because of its emphasis on integrity, respect, and satisfaction of its customers, Philadelphia Pretzel Factory is the place for those looking for quality soft pretzels, which are very popular in Pennsylvania.

Enjoying Pretzels as a Snack Food in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is referred to as the birthplace of the American pretzel, which explains why this state is well loved by pretzel enthusiasts. Its great history and food culture have ensured that the snack is widespread across the region. Here are a few interesting details and insights that explain why pretzels are so commonly found in Pennsylvania:

1. Historical Significance: Pennsylvania has a long history with pretzels, and its roots can be traced back centuries. The German community that prevailed in the state is likely why German immigrants invented pretzel recipes in the 18th century. Such history only helped maintain the popularity of pretzels within the state.
2. Pretzel Capital of the World: Pennsylvania is proud to be the’ Pretzel Capital of the World’. Lititz, located in Lancaster County, is home to the region’s annual Pretzel Fest, which pays tribute to the area’s pretzel-making traditions. In Pennsylvania, you’re sure to find an abundance of pretzel bakeries, whether mass-produced or mom-and-pop stores.
3. Variety and Innovation: Pennsylvania hasn’t restricted itself to just nutty pretzels; soft pretzels are already a staple in the state, but they also have stuffed and flavored pretzel offerings, ranging from pretzel-based snacks to desserts. There is certainly something for everyone in Pennsylvania.
4. Local Pretzel Culture: Pennsylvania proudly boasts its local delicacy that every resident and visitor enjoys – Pretzels. They are seen in nearly all social functions, ranging from sports events, family reunions, and birthday parties to simply a picnic. Their distinct smell of being baked fresh is enough to capture everyone’s attention in the vicinity and is a common occurrence across the numerous towns and cities within the state. Pretzel culture is surely indispensable in Pennsylvania.
5. Supporting Local Businesses: Pennsylvania has a long history of depots manufacturing baked pretzels, and thanks to its support, numerous local pau-bakeries are able to operate. These companies not only bake great-tasting pretzels, but they also help boost the local economy while upholding the pretzel-baking cultural custom in Pennsylvania.

So, if you happen to be in Pennsylvania, be sure to try out the amazing pretzel delicacies. From a soft pretzel to a pretzel sandwich, Pennsylvania guarantees a great snack of any kind. You will love the warm, gooey inside, crunchy outer crust, and wonderful taste that makes Pennsylvania pretzels unique.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs）

Q: Participating in the Tasty-Kake Treats makes you feel Pennsylvanian. Would you explain the Tasty-Kake treats, their existence in Pennsylvania, and why they are iconic?

A: TastyKake is an American-based company offering various unique baked goods. The company is famous for its range of sweet snack cakes, including kandy kakes and crumpets. These were first produced in the USA in 1914 and are some of the best Pennsylvania food products. This is how people from Pennsylvania see TastyKake. If you visit this state, do not consider leaving without trying these.

Q: Participating in the Tasty-Kake Treats makes you feel Pennsylvanian. Would you explain the Tasty-Kake treats their existence in Pennsylvania and why they are iconic? What makes tomato pie different from regular pizza?

A: Tomato pie is a Western Pennsylvania food, mostly Eastern PA. The difference is that a pizza place that doesn’t serve tomato pies doesn’t offer pizza at room temperature, which is how tomato pies are typically served. Tomato pie edged out pizza-type sauces as its base, and it has a long, firm, square crust that is very distinguishable. In many instances, it is made without cheese, further highlighting the diversity in the cuisine of Pennsylvania.

Q: Chicken fans would hype this sandwich: roast pork sandwich. Why is this true throughout Pennsylvania? What would seem a more interesting option than this Philly cheesesteak or Pork Sandwich, which is more well-known to Pennsylvanians?

A: Notably, this is a landscape of wonderful food in Pennsylvania, and there are many dishes to try, but if you are in Philadelphia, you cannot forget about the roast pork sandwich. The sandwich consists of slow-cooked pulled tender pork, slices of sharp provolone, and sometimes lightly sautéed spinach or broccoli rabe. For many people, this sandwich is more delicious than the famous Philly cheesesteak, and it is the real Philly sandwich, according to many people who reside there.

Q: What is birch beer, and how is it different from root beer?

A: In short, it is a non-alcoholic drink that, like root beer, is carbonated but has a trace of flavor from birch bark or birch oil. It is a historical drink from Pennsylvania and is especially consumed in the eastern section of the state. While sassafras roots are used to make root beer, birch beer is another style with a minty taste in Pennsylvania.

Q: What authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisines should people not miss to try when they visit the state?

A: The Pennsylvania Dutch menu provides an array of distinctive dishes worth considering. For example, the chicken pot pie is one of those dishes that needs to be tasted. The local culinary treatments offered foods, in my case, such as apple butter, which is the condensed form of apple sauce, whoopie pies, oh what cake, like cookies filled with cream. These are all traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods that must pass the taste of many people and are meant to highlight Lancaster County and its region’s traditional foods.

Q: What differentiates Lebanon bologna from the other Pennsylvania Potpourri dishes?

A: Lebanon Bologna is a cured and smoked sausage from Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. This sausage is CSWE County’s distinct restaurant in that it is tangy because of a fermentation process that uses a beef and spice mixture. This Pennsylvania classic is generally sliced and served as a cold cut or cooked as breakfast meat and has an entirely different flavor than bologna.

Q: What is the cultural significance of potato chips in Pennsylvania and its contribution in making Pennsylvania a foodie state?

A: Pennsylvania, with its unique food history, has managed to stand the test of time owing to the chip manufacturers located inside the territory, such as Utz and Herr’s. In fact, Pennsylvania has been nicknamed the Potato Chip Belt because of the consolidation of potato chip producers. That is why potato chips are widely popular in the United States, and Pennsylvania still takes the honor of contributing to American snack culture.

Reference Sources

1. Impact of the Locality on Sensory and Chemical Characteristics of Wines Produced from Pennsylvania Grapes

• Authors: M. C. Betea, Stephanie T. Keller
• Journal: Foods
• Publication: 2021-04-01
• Citation Token: (Keller et al., 2021)
• Summary: Keller et al. grow and characterize Pennsylvania’s wines in the USA, and this paper claims to be the first of its kind to analyze those wines’ sensory characteristics. Further in this paper, they go on to analyze the role culture and the environment play in shaping various characteristics of these wines. This paper employs a controlled winemaking experiment conducted in two different years in conjunction with wine analysis to identify electric attributes which helps focus on the sense of taste. Several wines that were examined did show significant sensory differences across wine regions. However, when it came to regionality even though compositional analysis was conducted, the wines still lacked clarity on it. The findings of this research can help the wine-producing places in the US as this wine is gaining its popularity across the US.
• Methodology: For their sensory analysis, Keller’s work with wine-making from nine Pennsylvania-based vineyards conducted a descriptive analysis along with volatile and color analyses to further analyze wines’ chemical attributes.

2. Prevalence and Phylogenetic Characterization of Escherichia coli and Hygiene Indicator Bacteria Isolated from Leafy Green Vegetables, Beef, and Pork Bought at Farmers’ Markets in Pennsylvania

• Authors: Joshua A. Scheinberg et al.
• Journal: Journal of Food Protection
• Publication date: 2017-01-20
• Citation Token: (Scheinberg et al., 2017, pp. 237–244)
• Summary: This research evaluated hygiene indicators (including E.coli) content in leafy green produce and meat acquired from farmers’ markets across Pennsylvania. It discovered E. coli to be very prevalent in myriad samples, which poses a food safety threat. The investigation further characterized the E. coli isolates based on one’s phylogenetic profile and pathogenic virulence capability in observing how some strains are pathogenic.
• Methodology: The investigation consisted of microbiological analyses of samples collected at farmers’ markets. After this, E. coli isolates were subjected to phylogenetic tree construction to evaluate their virulence.

3. Food Aftermath or the Lack of it, The Accessibility to Foods within the Philadelphia Community, and the Assistance Offered by the Community. 

• Authors: Victoria L. Mayer et al.
• Journal: Journal of Urban Health
• Publication Date: 2014-07-22.
• Citation Token: (Mayer et al., 2014, pp. 1087–1097)
• Summary: This paper assesses the relationship between food insecurity, local food resource availability, and the assistance provided in Philadelphia. The results show that improved neighborhood food resource availability reduces the prevalence of food insecurity. The study examined how food access can be ameliorated while also ensuring affordability for those who lack it.
• Methodology: As a mixed method study, the study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches to understand CDAP targets SDI encompassing food access and food insecurity, explaining the causative patterns between the two.

Pie

Scrapple