6 Traditional Nebraskan Foods (2024)

FAQs

What fruit or vegetables is Nebraska known for? ›

Corn and More

Nebraska is probably best known for corn and beef -- don't worry, we have both in this lineup -- but it's also a state full of chefs aiming to serve much more than those two staples.

Omaha is famous for its steaks–superbly seared melt-in-your-mouth homegrown beef. And the Reuben sandwich, invented at the Blackstone Hotel, has become an American culinary staple. It's even home of the Stellanator challenge: 45 minutes to eat a six-patty burger with fried eggs, cheese, bacon, and more.

Nebraska does not have a state food. But many would argue that the unofficial state food of Nebraska is the Runza sandwich. This sandwich is kind of like a fancy Hot Pocket. It has soft, fluffy bread and is stuffed with a mixture of seasoned beef, cabbage, and onions.

Corn. The Cornhusker State grows corn on more acres than any other crop in Nebraska and ranks third in the nation in production. Nebraska ranks second in production of ethanol and distillers grains, a processing byproduct often used for cattle feed.

NEBRASKA: Sweet corn ice cream

Although Nebraska doesn't have an official state dessert, according to the book "Scoop Adventures: The Best Ice Cream of the 50 States," Nebraska is famous for its sweet corn ice cream.

Nebraska is a major agricultural state, and its many cattle ranches provide for the state's trademark corn-fed beef.

The most popular backyard tree fruit for this area, there are many apple cultivars available with variation in time of ripening and best use (cooking, eating, or both). Scab immune (SI) varieties are resistant to apple scab disease. Plan on at least 2 varieties in the planting to assure cross-pollination.

Nebraska: The Beef state

Agriculture is the #1 industry in Nebraska and cattle production represents the largest segment of the industry. It's the engine that powers the state's economy with the beef cattle industry having an unmistakable impact on almost everyone in Nebraska.

According to Omaha lore, the Reuben Sandwich was dreamed up at Omaha's Blackstone Hotel in 1925 by Reuben Kulakofsky, a local grocer, to feed a group of late-night poker players.

Is Nebraska known for steak? ›

Nebraska beef is known internationally for its flavor, tenderness, and quality.

And ranch dressing was invented by Nebraskan Steven Henson during his time in Alaska and is now the most popular salad dressing in the United States. Other foods that Nebraska is known for include Runzas and the tin roof sundae.

This state's name comes from Native American words that mean “flat water.” The phrase refers to the Platte River, which runs through the state. The University of Nebraska gave the state its nickname, since the school's football team name is the Cornhuskers.

In the top of the circle is the state motto: “Equality Before the Law.” The circle is surrounded with the words, “Great Seal of the State of Nebraska, March 1st, 1867.” Nebraska's state flag was designated by legislative action in 1925.

Food and Beverages: Nebraska's rich agricultural heritage extends to its food and beverage manufacturing, producing an array of products that nourish both local and global populations. Nebraska is one of the country's bread baskets, with food processing being a huge industry in the state, particularly beef production.

History. Founded in 1949 by Sally Everett, the chain began its expansion under Sally's son Donald Everett Sr. in 1966, and started franchising restaurants in 1979. As of November 2020, there are eighty-six Runza restaurants operating: eighty in Nebraska, two in Iowa, two in Colorado, and one in Kansas.

Somehow, some way, in Nebraska, the bierock became the runza. Sauteed ground beef and cabbage went into a rectangular, bread roll-like creation, was served to people who thought they really tasted good, and the rest is delicious history.