Fried fish has several origins
Fried fish in the South has been attributed to Native American and European settlers. Another source for this dish in Virginia is the enslaved people who brought their recipes from Africa.
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture reports that Historian Dr. Kelly Fanto Deetz says Virginia enslaved people were responsible for their versions of frying fish, Gumbo, Oyster Stew, and Jambaya.
Fried fish has several origins.Photo byWikipedia
Enslaved African Americans in Virginia made a contribution
Deetz says the “highly skilled cooks created complex, labor-intensive dishes” by drawing upon the skills and ingredients they brought across the Atlantic from their African homelands. She wants to make sure they receive credit for their culinary contributions.
Across Southwest Virginia, this is the season for fish fries dinners. Churches, other organizations, and some individuals will sell fried fish with different dishes. They don’t do it the old-fashioned way but use deep fryers.