National Seafood Bisque Day

Every year, National Seafood Bisque Day is on October 19th by seafood lovers and those looking for a delicious, hot seafood dish. This warming and creamy soup made of lobster, shrimp, crab, or crayfish is the perfect accompaniment to a crisp slice of bread and a glass of wine.

History

The origin of National Seafood Bisque Day is unknown, but the bisque soup itself has a rich and interesting history. The word “bisque” comes from the French “bis cuites” meaning “twice cooked.” This double preparation involves boiling the soup with broth before cooking it further with cream. Some believe the name may have come from the Bay of Biscay, a region off the coast of France and Spain, whose dishes are similar to bisque soup.

Fishermen have been eating this dish since the 17th century, using whatever fish they could catch. When shellfish began to become scarce, it became a luxury food of the wealthy. Shellfish, cream, and spices are the main ingredients, with sherry, cognac, or brandy sometimes added. Some recipes replace shellfish with pumpkin, tomatoes, or mushrooms.

Fun Facts

• The word “bisque” was first used in the 1600s.
• Commercial lobster fishing was established in Maine in the 1840s.
• In 2007, archaeologists discovered the oldest seafood dish: a 140,000-year-old bowl of shellfish in South Africa.

How to Take Part

To participate in National Seafood Bisque Day, you can try making this delicious soup at home using any recipe you find online. Alternatively, you could visit a restaurant and treat yourself to a gourmet seafood bisque. Don’t forget to post a photo of the finished dish on social media using the hashtag #NationalSeafoodBisqueDay.

When is National Seafood Bisque Day in 2024?

National Seafood Bisque Day is observed on October 19 each year.

Observations