National Clam Chowder Day celebrates the beloved seafood soup that has become an iconic American dish, particularly in New England. This creamy, hearty soup combines clams, potatoes, and various ingredients to create a comforting bowl of warmth.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 25th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Soup Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalClamChowderDay #ClamChowderDay
- When was it founded?: Late 1980s
- Who founded it?: Unknown
History
The origins of clam chowder trace back to French fishing villages where it began as a simple seafood stew. When British, French, and Nova Scotian settlers arrived in the Northeastern United States in the 18th century, they brought their chowder-making traditions. By 1836, clam chowder had become a staple among sailors and coastal communities.
Timeline
- 1700s: First appearance of clam chowder in coastal regions of eastern U.S.
- 1795: Early documented water-based fish soups appear
- 1836: Clam chowder becomes a staple for sailors
- 1939: Maine attempted to ban tomatoes in clam chowder
- 1980s: National holiday established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February | 25 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February | 25 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February | 25 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February | 25 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February | 25 | Friday |
| 2029 | February | 25 | Sunday |
Observed
The day is celebrated nationwide through various activities including cooking homemade chowder, visiting restaurants famous for their chowder, and sharing recipes with friends and family.
Fun Facts About Clam Chowder
- Maine once tried to make adding tomatoes to clam chowder illegal
- Astronauts enjoyed specially made clam chowder in space during the 1960s
- It’s often served in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls
- Three main varieties exist: New England (white), Manhattan (red), and Rhode Island (clear)
Quiz
- Which state attempted to ban tomatoes in clam chowder?
- What year did clam chowder become a sailor’s staple?
- What’s the French word that “chowder” derives from?
(Answers: 1. Maine, 2. 1836, 3. Chaudron)
FAQs
Q: Which state is best known for clam chowder?
A: Maine and Massachusetts are most famous for their clam chowder.
Q: What are the main types of clam chowder?
A: New England (cream-based), Manhattan (tomato-based), and Rhode Island (clear broth).
Related
- National Soup Month
- National Homemade Soup Day
- Soup Swap Day
- National Seafood Day
- National Oyster Day