Diversity of landscape, agriculture, and local culture lends flavor to our lives in every possible way.

I discovered this when I moved to New Orleans for college after spending my entire life in the Northeast.

No other brand would do for our childhood sandwichesonly Hellmann’s.

table covered in southern food

Shutterstock / Mina709

Country Ham

Don’t sleep on the South’s mastery of pork.

If you like ham, you’ve just found heaven.

Personally, I like the one byCallie’s Hot Little Biscuitthe most.

dukes real mayonnaise in packaging

Courtesy of Duke’s

you might pick up a jug at Publix, Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, Kroger, and other retailers.

It’s also used in barbeque marinades and sauces, cakes, and more.

According toEpicurious, the hummingbird cake originated in Jamaica.

Edwards Country Ham

Edwards Virginia Smokehouse/Facebook

But, just like pimento cheese, Southerners have made it their own.

I’ve seen these in Publix and Krogers all over Georgia, and even BJ’s.

Pimento Cheese

Courtesy of Cookie and Kate

Milo’s Sweet Tea

Shutterstock

Cheerwine soft drink

Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock.com

Hubig’s Pies

Courtesy of Hubig’s Pies

Publix Hummingbird Cake

Courtesy of Publix