South Carolina foods make great holiday care packages
Southern food is always a treat, especially during the holidays, when a taste of home can mean a lot to those miles away.
If your family or friends can’t make it back for the holidays, you can always send a bit of the South to them via care packages.
Here are some sources for putting together a shipment of Southern hugs to someone you love:
Adluh: Known for their grits, this iconic mill in the Vista also sells cornmeal, flour, baking mixes and seasoned mixes. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-noon Friday at 804 1/2 Gervais St. (803) 779-2460, www.adluhstore.com
Anson Mills: Organically milled grains, ancient grains and Carolina Gold Rice. The website offers recipes and cooking directions tailored to specific products. (803) 467-4122, www.ansonmills.com
Congaree Milling Co.: Another Columbia-based mill, Congaree specializes in organic yellow, white and blue corn grits, meal, hominy, flour and polenta. Ken Dubard or Lawrence Burwell can be found selling at local farmers markets or online at thecongareemillingcompany.com.
Cromer’s: Since 1935, Cromer’s has been selling roasted and boiled peanuts, “Guaranteed Worst in Town.” There are a number of flavored popcorns and gift boxes available for shipping. 1700 Huger St. (800) 322-7688, www.cromers.com
Maurice’s BBQ: The Flying Pig delivers barbecue and sauce nationwide, straight from the pits. www.piggiepark.com
Palmetto Pepper Potions: Hot sauces made in Columbia by Mark and Julie Riffle. Choose from Daily Red, Larynx Lava, Molten Golden or Trenholm Venom; $7.99 a bottle or $29.99 for a set of four. pepperpotions.com
Items that you can find in grocery stores that may not be available outside of the South:
Carolina Plantation Carolina Gold Rice is grown on Plumfield Plantation on the Great Pee Dee River. www.carolinaplantationrice.com
Charleston Tea Plantation’s American Classic Tea, grown on Wadmalaw Island. www.charlestonteaplantation.com
Blenheim Ginger Ale …is hot, and hotter, since 1903. Old No. 3 is said to take your breath away while clearing your sinuses. www.blenheimgingerale.com
Many locally owned specialty stores, along with places like the S.C. State Museum’s Cotton Mill Exchange, also carry South Carolina foods, along with other South Carolina-themed gifts.