Celebrate North Carolina’s food history and culture on July 22 at Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of North Carolina, a free family event at Duke Homestead, the 19th century farm where Washington Duke started a tobacco business that would lead to Duke University and Duke Energy.
Pork, Pickles & Peanuts focuses on great taste with the highly competitive — and tasty — Barbecue Cook-Off and Pie Competition from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Get a taste of the action by voting in the People’s Choice Award, or donate $1 for a slice of competition pie! You can also snack on peanuts and pickles, and enjoy live music and local vendors selling crafts, art, jewelry and more.
Check out historical cooking demonstrations too, such as 19th century pickling, a peanut boil, and both savory and sweet treats being prepared in the Dukes’ own kitchen.
Kids can try out 19th century games and toys, and make their own pickling spice blend.
In the afternoon, adults and supervised youngsters can participate in making shrubs, a 19th century sweet and sour vinegar drink that’s making a comeback, and try a sample.
The day also includes a whole hog butchery demonstration, to teach a traditional and essential skill of all 19th century farmers.
For more info on Pork, Pickles and Peanuts: Tastes of North Carolina, call (919) 477-5498 or visit DukeHomestead.org.
Duke Homestead is located at 2828 Duke Homestead Road, Durham, and is part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.