“Fried catfish is the other white meat”
“The Other White Meat” is a promotion by the National Pork Producers, trademarked from November 1986. “Red meat” had received bad publicity in the 1980s, and chicken (“white meat”) was perceived as a healthier alternative. Pork positioned itself beside chicken as “the other white meat.”
By 2002, internet lists titled “Things I’ve Learned About Kentucky” (or South Carolina or North Carolina or Louisiana or any number of southern states) included: “Fried catfish is the other white meat.” Lists titled “Things I’ve Learned Living in Texas” included the catfish variation in 2007-2008.
Texans (especially East Texans) do love catfish. Conroe (near Houston) has hosted an annual Cajun Catfish Festival since 1990. In 2001, the Texas legislature declared West Tawakoni “Catfish Capital of Texas” because of the excellent fishing on Lake Tawakoni.
The Other White Meat - All About Pork
In 1987, with the support of America’s pork producers, the National Pork Board launched the Pork. The Other White Meat campaign to help turn around a declining demand for pork. Prior to this campaign, U.S. pork consumption had been on a long-term decline and poultry’s popularity was on the rise, as nutritional benefits and versatility became increasingly desirable to consumers.
Conroe (TX) Cajun Catfish Festival
2008
Cajun Catfish Festival
October 10th, 11th, and 12th
Several notches above the basic community festival, The Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival annually draws 30,000 to 40,000 people to hear its stellar music line-up, browse through the many craft booths and exhibits and eat a variety of Cajun style food. A strong regional attraction, the festival is beginning to attract nation wide attention.
BakeSpace’s Global Cookbook
East Texas Fried Catfish
added 07/19/07
Recipe Directions & History
Wash and drain 6 catfish filets. Cut into 1 inch wide pieces.
Mix 1 cup yellow cornmeal with 2 tbsp lemon pepper. Coat fish pieces with cornmeal mixture and set aside in dish.
Heat 3 inches of oil in dutch oven and carefully drop fish in oil until light brown, it will float to top. DO NOT COOK TOO MUCH AT ONE TIME.
Serve with french fries,tarter sauce and Cole slaw.
Texas Cooking - Grandma’s Cookbook
Grandma’s Fried Catfish
As long as you’re frying catfish, fry up some Hush Puppies, too.
6 catfish fillets (good size)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
few drops of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup bacon drippings or canola oil (or 2 tablespoons of each)
Sprinkle fillets on both sides with the pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and desired amount of hot sauce (Don’t go overboard here; catfish has a delicate flavor, and the idea is just to suggest some spice—not overpower).
Allow fillets to set at room temperature for 10 or 15 minutes. Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and remaining salt, mixing well. Dredge fillets in the flour/cornmeal mixture, and allow them to set for about 5 minutes. Fry fillets in hot oil for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Serve at once.
Note: One cup each of self-rising flour and self-rising cornmeal can be used in this recipe, if you have them in your pantry. If you do, omit the baking powder and salt in the flour/cornmeal mixture.
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From: Billy
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2002 20:08:09 -0500
Local: Fri, Nov 15 2002 9:08 pm
Subject: Re: Vegetarian Main Course for Son’s Visit
Don’t forget Fried Catfish….........“The OTHER white meat
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From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (DeeTee)
Date: 19 Dec 2002 09:58:02 -0800
Local: Thurs, Dec 19 2002 1:58 pm
Subject: OTP: A Funny for us Southerners
A friend sent this to me - it’s about Kentucky but, as I told her, it sure does fit just about any of the states in the south. I was raised in Florida by two Georgia crackers so it certainly applies to me!
Things I’ve learned about Kentucky .....
(...)
19. Fried Catfish is the other white meat.
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From: “Kathy Gallagher”
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 17:22:22 -0500
Local: Tues, Feb 11 2003 6:22 pm
Subject: OT Things I learned about South carolina (humor)
17. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
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From: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Timantide)
Date: 02 Mar 2004 18:34:11 GMT
Local: Tues, Mar 2 2004 2:34 pm
Subject: You Know You’re From North Carolina When…
17. Fried Catfish is the other white meat.
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From: “Bianca”
Date: Thu, 18 May 2006 19:45:18 -0500
Local: Thurs, May 18 2006 8:45 pm
Subject: Things about Louisiana
THINGS I HAVE LEARNED LIVING IN LOUISIANA:
(...)
17. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
Grammy Kay’s Parlor
Monday, May 21, 2007
6:39:00 PM EDT
(...)
THINGS I’VE LEARNED LIVING IN TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA
(...)
Fried catfish is the other white meat.
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From: “junkman”
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:21:19 -0500
Local: Tues, Apr 22 2008 1:21 pm
Subject: Things I learned living in Texas .
29. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
(Trademark)
Word Mark THE OTHER WHITE MEAT
Goods and Services IC 042. US 100. G & S: ASSOCIATION SERVICES NAMELY, PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF MEMBERS OF THE PORK INDUSTRY. FIRST USE: 19861104. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19861110
Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number 73680226
Filing Date August 24, 1987
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Published for Opposition February 2, 1988
Registration Number 1486548
Registration Date April 26, 1988
Owner (REGISTRANT) NATIONAL PORK PRODUCERS COUNCIL CORPORATION IOWA 1776 NORTHWEST 114TH STREET URBANDALE IOWA 50322
(LAST LISTED OWNER) NATIONAL PORK BOARD BOARD CREATED UNDER A FEDERAL STATUTE UNITED STATES 1776 N.W. 114th Street Clive IOWA 50325
Assignment Recorded ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Attorney of Record John L. Beard
Type of Mark SERVICE MARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Affidavit Text SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR). SECTION 8(10-YR) 20070720.
Renewal 1ST RENEWAL 20070720
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE