The Commercial Appeal

Memphis barbecue to join hot slaw as one of state’s official foods

- Jordan Green Memphis Commercial Appeal USA TODAY NETWORK – TENNESSEE What is hot slaw?

Tennessee’s list of official state foods is about to get more delicious with the addition of Memphis barbecue.

Both the Tennessee House and Senate passed Senate Bill 2864 which would make Memphis barbecue an official state food. Instead of making barbecue the state food, there was an amendment to specify that Memphis barbecue should be a state food.

Here is what we know about the bill.

What are Tennessee’s official state foods?

As of the passing of the bill, there is only one official state food which was added earlier this year. Senate measure 1573 went into effect on Mar. 11 and added hot slaw as an official state food. The Senate measure 2864 to add Memphis barbecue was initiated by Rep. Joe Towns, D-memphis, and Sen. Sara Kyle, D-memphis. It was first introduced on

Jan. 31 this year and passed the Senate unanimousl­y about a month later.

SB 2864 has not hit Governor Lee’s desk yet, but it is expected to be signed. It would make Memphis barbecue the second state food to be added this year.

Hot slaw is a spicier version of cole slaw and is commonly added to hotdogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches and more. It is popular in Cleveland, Tennessee, which hosts an annual festival each year.

The Senate amended the bill to make it “an official state food” rather than “the official state food.”

What makes Memphis barbecue different from other styles?

Memphis barbecue is one of the four main regional styles along with Texas, The Carolinas and Kansas City.

Of these four regions, Memphis is known for its ribs and pulled pork which can be served either dry with a dry rub or wet with sauce applied throughout the cooking process.

Memphis has become a barbecue hotspot over the years, especially after the introducti­on of the World Championsh­ip Barbecue Cooking Contest which started in 1978.

 ?? STAN CARROLL/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL ?? The rib plate with coleslaw and beans at Memphis Barbecue Co. on May 7, 2014.
STAN CARROLL/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL The rib plate with coleslaw and beans at Memphis Barbecue Co. on May 7, 2014.

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