Turtle Soup, Nope! None for Me: Growing Up Southern and Dodging the Delicacy
If you’ve ever spent time in the American South, you know it’s a place where traditions run deep—and sometimes come with a side of questionable culinary adventures. As a kid, I was no stranger to the inevitable “try it, honey, it tastes just like chicken!” line from my mom whenever she handed me something that, let’s be honest, I’d rather leave untouched. But one thing I always knew for sure: no matter how convincing she was, turtle soup was not on my menu. And that’s a story worth telling.
Growing Up Southern: A Tapestry of Traditions and Tastes
In the South, food is more than sustenance—it's a way of life, a tradition, and sometimes, a test of your culinary bravery. My childhood was shaped by slow-cooked collard greens, crispy fried chicken, and yes, the occasional mention of turtle soup. It was a delicacy, a family tradition, and an acquired taste that I, thankfully, never acquired.
My Pet Tubby: A Small but Mighty Sentinel
Pet turtles are not exactly the most exciting pets—unless you’re me, and your pet is Tubby. His name says it all; he’s a little round, a little slow, and a whole lot of adorable. Every morning, I’d run to his tank, check to see if he was still there, and breathe a little easier when he was. Tubby was my quiet, constant companion—far more comforting than the idea of turtle soup on my dinner plate.
Mom’s Favorite Tricks: “Try It, It Tastes Just Like Chicken!”
Now, let’s talk about my mom’s classic line—“Try it, honey. It tastes just like chicken!” As a kid, I’d hear this every time she handed me something new, often with a wink that meant, “Yes, it’s weird, but trust me.” I’d roll my eyes so hard I thought they’d fall out, replying, “Mom, it's not chicken, chicken has drumsticks!”
- She’d insist, “No, really, you'd like it, if you'd just try it!”
- I'd protest, “No, it's a turtle and it's just like Tubby.”
- She’d laugh and say, “Just try it, it’s good for you.”
And truthfully, I’m glad I never caved on the turtle soup front. I like my pets a little more alive and a lot less in my dinner bowl.
Dodging the Delicacy and Living My Truth
Knowing what I do about turtle soup—just the mention makes my stomach turn—I’ve become quite the expert in dodging it. Family dinners often came with subtle hints or outright invitations to try “something special,” but I learned to politely decline, citing my picky palate or my devotion to Tubby.
- “No, thank you, I’m a little full,”
- “I’m saving room for dessert,”
- Or simply, “I don’t eat turtle, sorry!”
Over the years, I’ve realized that ignoring tradition doesn’t mean abandoning my roots—it simply means I prefer my turtles in their turtle tanks, not on my plate. And honestly, I think Tubby agrees.
Embracing My Southern Roots—Without the Soup
While I embrace my Southern heritage, I draw the line at turtle soup. Instead, I indulge in the rich flavors of grandma’s peach cobbler, the smoky aroma of BBQ, and the warm, welcoming hospitality that makes the South so special. It’s a tradition of good food and good company—just with no turtles in the soup pot!
Conclusion: A Personal Tale of Tradition, Pets, and Personal Boundaries
Growing up in the South means learning to navigate a world where culinary traditions can be a little unusual—especially when it involves some of our shelled friends. Thanks to my pet tubby turtle and my mom’s persistent “it tastes just like chicken” lines, I’ve learned to stand firm in my preferences and keep my turtle soup dreams at bay. Because, at the end of the day, some things—like not eating your pet turtle—are just non-negotiable for me. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.