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Showing posts from January, 2024

Muffulettu, an Origins Sandwich Story

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Muffulettu loaves at Porgy's Seafood Market in New Orleans, it differs from New Orleans muffuletta bread   What's a Muffulettu? The World in a Sandwich by Dana Honn, Jan 21, 2024 To answer the question “what's a muffulettu or muffuletta?” requires a response that bridges country, culture and beliefs. If you were to ask that question in New Orleans, the response would be very different than if you did so in Sicily, which is a great place to start, as it was there where cultures collided, or possibly converged to create one of the world's great sandwiches. Let's start with a definition ... the name “muffulettu,” “muffoletta,” “muffuletta,” or “pan Buffetto,” referred to a soft and spongy bread, becoming synonymous with a swollen and soft texture. It is believed to have roots in the French term 'mouflette,' signifying softness. Another theory states the moniker is perhaps a derivative of muffe ("fungus," "toadstool"), maybe because the circu

Chinese Fishing Communities

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Dating back to the 19th century, in the rich tapestry of the Gulf South's maritime history, the Chinese have woven a distinctive thread, particularly in the realm of fisheries, with Louisiana standing as a significant focal point. This chronicle traces the remarkable journey of Chinese contributions to the region's fisheries, shaping a narrative that spans centuries. Shrimping and Crabbing: Pioneering shrimp and crab fisheries, particularly from Guangdong, Chinese immigrants introduced innovative harvesting and processing methods, especially the drying of fish and shrimp. In fact, dried shrimp for Louisiana directed towards foreign ports, especially Chinese. Labor Force: Integral to the labor force, Chinese immigrants' hard work in the early 20th century supported the growth of the fishing and seafood processing industries. Canal Construction: Contributing to canal construction in southern Louisiana, Chinese laborers facilitated increased access to fishing grounds. Culin

Filipino Fisher Community, Manila Village

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The Filipino fishing community in Louisiana, primarily from the Visayan islands, is a compelling narrative of migration, adaptation, and cultural preservation along the diverse coastline. The Manilamen: Shrouded in mystery, the tale of the oldest known permanent Asian American settlement mirrors the murky landscapes of its mosquito-infested marshland origins. Saint Malo, an 18th-century fishing village nestled along the shores of Lake Borgne in Louisiana, has etched its presence in history, persisting through the centuries until the 20th century. Named after its enigmatic leader, Juan San Maló, who led a community of Maroons (runaway enslaved individuals) seeking sanctuary in the marshlands, the settlement's origins are deeply rooted in intrigue. Saint Malo's pioneering inhabitants were the Filipino sailors and indentured servants who successfully escaped the clutches of Spanish Galleons in the 1700s. Renowned in historical annals as the Manilamen, derived from the capital cit

Los Isleños Fishing Community

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The Los Isleños, or Canary Islanders, have a rich history in Louisiana's fishing activities: Oyster Harvesting: Central to their fishing activities, Isleños collected oysters from the Gulf of Mexico using traditional methods, contributing to their diet. Shrimping: Engaging in shrimping, Isleños used nets to catch crustaceans in coastal waters, with shrimp remaining a popular seafood in Louisiana. Crabbing: Employing crab traps and nets, Isleños caught blue crabs abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to Louisiana's seafood dishes. Fishing Camps: Establishing fishing camps along the coast supported their activities, providing shelter and a gathering place for the community. Sustainable Practices: Known for sustainable fishing practices, Isleños emphasized the importance of preserving the coastal ecosystem. Cultural Significance: Fishing was deeply ingrained in Isleños' culture, with traditions, recipes, and folklore passed down through generations. Modernization: