Welcome to the first entry of our monthly look at some of the most obscure and unique food-related holidays. Let’s show some love for these overlooked holidays by indulging in one of life’s greatest gifts: FOOD!
Meat-Out Month
The entire month of March is home to the Meat-Out Challenge, where everyone is invited to try a strict, vegetarian diet. Meat-Out was first introduced in 1985 by the Farm Animal Rights Movement, and it aims to educate the public on the positives of a diet that focuses on fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, this is a great month to start!
National Nutrition Month
The American Dietetic Association sponsors this educational campaign that highlights the importance of diet and exercise. As temperatures start to warm up, March marks a great month to get out of the house, start exercising regularly, and really start tackling those New Year’s resolutions.
International Hamburger and Pickle Month
While you’re attempting to avoid meat and eat more healthy foods, March does a complete 180 and forces you to recognize a great American food tradition: the HAMBURGER. Whether you’re cooking juicy patties on your grill at home, or you’re enjoying a gourmet burger at your favorite restaurant, take the time to top it all off with a deliciously crisp dill pickle in celebration of one of the most amazing condiment pairings of all time.
March 1
National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
Peanut butter is delicious, but most people only use it on sandwiches and crackers. Instead of eating peanut butter in the traditional way, why not try a new recipe? Check out this awesome recipe from Peanut Butter Lovers for Edamame Dumplings with Thai Peanut Sauce.
March 6
National Frozen Food Day
This day isn’t about eating a depressing frozen dinner in front of a glowing television screen in your lonely apartment. The point of National Frozen Food Day is to recognize the importance of the technological advancements that have been made in the realm of food preservation and storage. Lives have been saved because of this wonderful implementation of Science, so take the time to pay your respects to Clarence Birdseye, the man responsible for developing the quick-freezing process that we still use today.
March 9
National Crabmeat Day
Imitation crabmeat is a crime against humanity. Do yourself a favor and seek out the real deal on this day of the month. If you can’t find anything other than standard crab legs, head to your local seafood grocer and buy some crabmeat to cook at home. Try this recipe from Cajun Daughters for Crabmeat Casserole if you want to experience a taste of Louisiana.
March 27
National Spanish Paella Day
Paella is a rice dish that typically consists of chicken, beans, green vegetables, paprika, and rosemary. Saffron is used to give the rice a beautiful golden color, and the dish is best when cooked over an open flame. Find a local restaurant that sells authentic Spanish paella and you won’t be disappointed!
March 30
Turkey Neck Soup Day
Take the time to celebrate the fact that we live in a world where eating turkey neck soup is a choice, not a requirement.
March 31
Tater Day
According to the UN, “the potato yields more nutritious food more quickly on less land and in harsher climates than any other major crop.” To put it simply: Potatoes are incredible. It is nearly impossible to find a restaurant that doesn’t sell potatoes in some form or another. Help make Tater Day unique by experiencing this familiar vegetable in an unfamiliar way. Check out this zesty recipe from Many Faces of Potatoes for Easy Peasy Bombay Potato Curry.