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National Clam Chowder Day (February 25)

Check out the weird holiday National Clam Chowder Day on February 25. Learn the history of clam chowder, and get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on February 25 is National Clam Chowder Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!

History of National Clam Chowder Day

Clam chowder first originated in the late 1700s by the lower classes in France, Britain, and Nova Scotia. At the time, it was just a fish soup with a water base and some vegetables (mostly onions, carrots, and potatoes).

It became a popular dish for sailors in the 1830s, and they began adding crackers and croutons as a way to thicken it. This version became popular in the Boston area as ships came in and out of the harbor.

Eventually the water was replaced by a creamy white soup in order to include dairy in the sailors’ diets.

The word “chowder” is a mix of two different languages. The English word “jowter” means fish peddler, and the French word “chaudiere” means cauldron. Chowder, therefore, is fish made in a cauldron (which is where soup was typically cooked at the time).

In 1939, a bill was introduced in the Maine legislature to make it illegal to use tomatoes in clam chowder. It didn’t pass, however.

In the mid 1900s, Campbell’s and Progresso developed canned clam chowder, making this comfort soup even more accessible.

Ideas for National Clam Chowder Day

Here are some delicious recipes for you to enjoy!

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