Grilling hot dogs for Fourth of July? John Adams served turtle soup
Hot dog? No thanks, but pass the turtle soup.
How traditions have changed over the last 247 years in America as we approach another Fourth of July holiday.
Today, there is an amazing array of food available, which most of us didn't have to grow or shoot.
And while those early Americans had to cook over a fire, millions across the U.S. will choose to head outside to fire up the grill to celebrate our independence.
What did early colonists eat?
Back when America declared its independence, colonists would have had bread, meat or cheese for lunch.
The last meal of the day typically was a meat stew, meat pie and possibly porridge, according to Huntington Historical Society in New York. Beverages consisted of beer, water or cider.
The colonists even had sweets, most likely using maple syrup, molasses or honey to sweeten their foods. Most desserts were made with fruit.
What is the first known Fourth of July meal and what was served?
Legend has it that John Adams, who fought for independence and became the country’s second president, celebrated the country’s independence on July 4, 1776, with a meal of turtle soup, poached salmon with egg sauce, green peas, boiled potatoes, and a dessert of Indian pudding or apple Pandowdy, according to the Food Literacy Council.
Their less-affluent neighbors probably ate pork and beef dishes, with potatoes and tomatoes, according to 501(c) Services.
Ironically, these foods were brought to the Americas by the Spanish, not the English.
So what are 'traditional' foods eaten on July 4th?
It's probably no surprise that the foods commonly found at July 4 celebrations include:
Hot dogs
Hamburgers
Barbecue — anything from brisket to pulled pork and even vegetables and fruit are thrown on the grill
Apple pie
Biscuits and gravy
What is Florida's favorite food for July 4?
Several websites report Floridians' favorite for the holiday is buffalo chicken dip.
What's the top searched recipe in Florida for Fourth of July?
The recipe with the most views for Fourth of July recipes in Florida is the American Flag Cake, according to AllRecipes.
Grilling for Fourth of July? You aren't alone
Today, celebrating the Fourth of July is all about the grill, according to AgHires.
Over 74 million Americans are planning to grill out for the Fourth of July.
Burgers (85%), steak (80%), hot dogs (79%), chicken (73%) are the most popular foods for the grill.
When it comes to barbecuing, home cooks tend to favor meat, poultry, and pork, though fish is a popular choice as well, according to RealSimple.
BBQ chicken, ribs and pork chops are the favorites.
July Fourth food! How many hot dogs and hamburgers are consumed in your state?
How many hot dogs are eaten on the Fourth of July?
On Independence Day, Americans will enjoy 150 million hot dogs, enough to stretch from the District of Columbia to Los Angeles more than five times, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
During peak hot dog season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans typically consume 7 billion hot dogs. That’s 818 hot dogs consumed every second during that period.
Ten percent of annual retail hot dog sales occur during July, which is National Hot Dog Month.
Los Angeles residents eat more hot dogs than any other city (about 30 million pounds).
What about hamburgers? How many do we eat?
Americans eat an average of 20 billion burgers a year, according to Pantry and Larder.
Florida ranks 33rd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia when it comes to burger consumption. The average Floridian eats 56 burgers a year.?
No. 1? The average resident in Oregon eats 78 burgers a year.?
In last place was the District of Columbia. The average Washingtonian eats 36 burgers a year.?
What are the typical side dishes on the Fourth of July?
When it comes to July 4th side dishes, Americans prefer savory options over sweet ones. Pasta salad, baked beans, and coleslaw rank at the top.
What to bring to a July 4th cookout: Food and side dishes you need at your celebration
Did someone say ice cream? The best 3 ingredient homemade ice cream, and it's insanely easy to make!
What presidents have died on the Fourth of July?
Now for a bit of Fourth of July trivia.
Three of the founding fathers who became presidents — John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe —all died on July 4, according of the Library of Congress.
Both Jefferson, 83, and Adams, 90, died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Monroe, 73, died on July 4, 1831.
Have any presidents been born on the Fourth of July?
Only one.
John Calvin Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: July 4 foods change over centuries. Barbecue now favorite