Why are red foods eaten on Juneteenth?
There are a few things you’ll reliably find at Juneteenth celebrations and they’re usually red foods. According to food historian Michael Twitty, the tradition of eating red foods likely came from the enslaved Yoruba and Kongo people brought to Texas in the 19th century. The color red can represent power, sacrifice, and transformation in both of those cultures.
It also helps that many red foods are available around mid-June. Summer fruits like strawberries and watermelon, for example are in peak season during Juneteenth. Red drinks like hibiscus tea and strawberry sodas are customary at Juneteenth celebrations.
Other foods you’ll likely see red velvet cake and, of course, barbecue. Because we can’t forget that Juneteenth was a holiday in Texas first! Do you eat spicy hot links, usually made with beef that is dyed red, at your local Juneteenth parties? Because food historians like Adrian Miller credit African American cooks with creating hot links and expanding barbecue styles.
