Do you or your family have that “signature dish” that can be found at every holiday meal and family gathering? For my mother’s side of the family that dish is what we simply call “banana salad.” My grandmother would bring it to every family outing, and now that she has passed away, it’s the worthy responsibility of my cousin to make sure the tradition lives on. This dish is an example of heritage food.

While there’s no standard definition, heritage food is thought of as food that is inherited and embraces or highlights a culture. These foods are often historic, family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. What recipes and/or cooking skills have been passed down to you, and what are you passing down to others? Recipes can be one of the most cherished belongings that get inherited. When you think about it, it’s not really about the actual food, but rather keeping a connection to the past. It’s important to safeguard these recipes by documenting them and saving them in a digital format so that it does not get lost. Include the history, stories and anecdotes that go with them. Scan a copy of handwritten recipes, as seeing the handwriting is one part that makes the recipe so special. 

You can share your heritage food by cooking with your children or grandchildren. Consider creating a family recipe cookbook or utilize technology and make a video of you or a loved one preparing the recipe. I’m happy to have (and share) my grandmothers banana salad recipe; don’t wait to share yours!