Sep-2015
8 tasty Maine treats to take home
There are some foods and drinks native to Maine that you may not ever wish to try again, let alone bring home with you (Moxie, we’re looking at you).
But there are other treats that you’ll want to have on hand to remind you of your Downeast vacation for months to come — if you can make them last that long.
Whoopie pies
What’s not to love about an inside-out cake? While Pennsylvania claims that its Amish ancestors created the whoopie pie, Maine loves the dessert so much that in 2011, the Legislature voted to name whoopie pies the official state treat. If you happen to be in Dover-Foxcroft in June, you can take home several different types from the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. If you’ll miss the fest, there are several Maine bakeries that will ship pies if you need a fix.
Blueberry soda
Sure, Mainers can get a little overboard with their blueberry-flavored foods and beverages — blueberry ketchup, anyone? — but the official state fruit is right at home in Maine Root’s blueberry soda. Grab a case for when you want the taste of Maine.
Popover mix
PHOTO COURTESY THE ACADIA SHOPS
Light, fluffy, flaky and delicious popovers originated among the first Maine settlers. The rolls are perfect with butter and jam, or add ice cream for a popover a la mode. Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park is so famous for its popovers that they sell their recipe.
Maple syrup
When you think maple syrup, the first thing that comes into your mind is likely Vermont, but Maine is the country’s third-highest maple syrup producer. There are several delicious varieties made right here in Maine available at grocery stores and markets.
Fiddleheads
For a healthy — and free — alternative to Whoopie pies, forage for your own fiddlehead ferns. Stick them in a Ziplock, and you’ll have fresh Maine greens for your first supper back home.
Baked beans
Baked beans are a New England tradition, and while Boston’s hometown brand might be the most well-known, B&M baked beans have been coming out of the company’s Portland factory since 1913. Heat up a can and bake up some brown bread for a traditional Maine Saturday night bean suppah in your own state.
Lobster
If you didn’t get your fill of lobster meat while you were in Maine, you’re in luck. Dozens of local lobster pounds and markets pack lobsters in coolers for flatlanders to carry on the plane ride home.
Sea Salt
You may not be able to take rocks from Acadia National Park home with you (seriously, don’t do this), but you can bring something from Mount Desert Island’s waters: sea salt.