The internet is full of fabulous facts about everything from current events to the history basket weaving and Irish food fun facts. As we research for our daily content on food trucks, food carts and street food, we stumble upon some items of knowledge that we just did not know.

We have decided when these fun facts pop up, that we would share them with our readers in our section titled “Did You Know?”

For today’s Did You Know we will look at Irish Food Fun Facts.

Irish Food Fun Facts: Irish cuisine is a style of cooking originating from Ireland or developed by Irish people. It evolved from centuries of social and political change and mixing between the different cultures on the island, predominantly English and Irish. The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals farmed in its temperate climate.

  • March 17th is National “Eat Like an Irishman” Day.
  • Corned beef is strictly an American invention, the Irish don’t actually eat it to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
  • Over 41.5 billion pounds of beef are produced each year for St. Patrick’s Day, with the majority of it coming from Texas and over 2.5 billion pounds of cabbage are produced with the majority grown in California.
  • The Irish Potato Famine is an event that stands out in the history of Irish foods. Once the potato came along in the late 16th century, that began to change. By the 18th century, potatoes were the mainstay of the Irish diet.
  • When this potato succumbed to disease in the 1840s, the country fell into famine.
  • Before the potato was introduced to the country, beans, peas and wheat served as mealtime staples.
  • Strong alcoholic beverages such as Guinness, Beamish, Murphy’s and a variety of ales are commonly associated with Ireland.
  • The original Guinness Brewery in Dublin has a 9,000 year lease.
  • Whiskey of all types are popular throughout Ireland, and dedicated visitors can travel the country sampling the many varieties.
  • When whiskey and whipped cream are added to coffee, the brew is known around the world as “Irish coffee.”

Traditional Irish Dishes

  • Colcannon
  • Soda Bread
  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Champ
  • Black Pudding
  • Dulse and Yellowman
  • Barmbrack
  • Guinness Stew
  • Tipsy Pudding
  • Crubeens

Irish Food Fun Facts We Missed

Let us know if we may have missed any Irish food fun facts in the comment section below. If we can verify that the facts is just that, a fact, we will give the reader credit in the article.

Reference: Wikipedia: Fun Facts about Irish Food.

Find all of the National Food Holidays to spice up your food truck menu specials throughout the year.