Commentary: So Just What Are Grits?


This blog is frequently read by people from all over the United States and the world… as far away as Australia… so in case you don’t know what grits are…. Here you go… here’s the definition according to Wikipedia:

“Grits is a Native American corn-based food common in the Southern United States, consisting of coarsely ground corn. It was traditionally served during war.
Grits are similar to other thick maize-based porridges from around the world such as polenta. It also has a resemblance to farina thinner porridge.”

There are some called instant grits. You can find instant grits on most shelves at the supermarket, but they really don’t do justice to the actual grits of the south. They come in little packets that are emptied in a bowl, water added and microwaved. They are not the grits of choice to a true southerner. As the memorable quote from a character in the movie “My Cousin Vinny” says: “No self respectin' Southerner uses instant grits. I take pride in my grits.”.

The ones I would recommend you use are called “Quick Cooking Grits by Quaker Oats”. If you can’t find them in a store near you… you can order them online from the Quaker Oats Online Store and have them shipped to you.

While I was putting together a list of various breakfast/brunch buffet foods.. I decided early on to include grits. Living in the south, I have come to learn that this is a southern staple. Every southern household has their signature grits recipe…. and they’re not only eaten for breakfast… they're part of main meals as well.

I love grits… I always have. I remember going to Florida on one of the many road trips from my childhood and waiting until about Virginia where we would stop at places like Shoney’s and have grits with breakfast. Back then it was rare, if you could at all, find grits in the north. Nowadays, grits can be found all over…. but if you can’t find them… you can order them.

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