Food, Fireworks & Flavor: July Holidays You’ll Eat Right Up

July 9th - National Kebab Day

Summer is officially here, which means that now is the prime time to fire up that grill for a backyard barbeque. So, why not observe National Kabob Day by grilling up a savory summer classic, because everyone knows meals are best served on a stick! You’ll have the whole neighborhood sniffing the air and saying,” somebody’s grilling something good!”

The secret to a perfectly seasoned kabob is an evenly coated marinade. You wouldn’t want to end up having one piece of steak with a big glob of marinade on it and another piece that’s left with little to nothing on it. Guar gum can be a big help in preventing this situation because it serves as a thickening and stabilizing agent. By thickening the liquid, it allows spices and other flavoring particles to remain suspended more evenly, so every bite gets the same flavor profile. You can rely on guar gum to achieve optimum coverage for all those meats and veggies to taste the best they can be!

July 11th - National Mojito Day

There’s nothing like unwinding with an ice-cold cocktail on a hot, midsummer’s day. Honor this national holiday by relaxing with a refreshing mojito in hand. One sip of this crisp concoction of mint and lime will transport your taste buds to a cool oasis. Please remember to always enjoy responsibly.

The zesty citrus flavor of a freshly prepared mojito helps make this iconic cocktail a true classic. That impeccable flavor can be achieved by simply adding a pinch or two of citric acid to your cocktail. Sprinkling in some citric acid is a surefire way to control the varying acidity of natural ingredients (like fresh lime juice). Try mixing in a little citric acid when you add your lime juice into that shaker. This bartender’s trick is guaranteed to take your mojito to the next level.

July 13th - National French Fry Day

There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about a hot, salty batch of crispy French fries. Just the sight of those golden sticks is enough to make taste buds tingle. Since their humble beginnings in the late 17th century, fries have been considered an ideal accompaniment to many protein-heavy entrées. The popularity of this irresistible side dish catapulted with the rise of the fast-food industry. Now, this salty snack is sold just about anywhere in a 5-mile radius!

Have you ever wondered how fast-food chains always seem to serve up perfect fries every time? Well, consistency is key in these establishments. That’s why they use sodium acid pyrophosphate to keep those fried potatoes that crispy golden color that you can easily spot at the bottom of the bag. And to make sure each fry cooks evenly and comes out just right, restaurants often add a touch of dextrose, which helps to ensure uniform browning in the fryer.

July 15th - National Hot Dog Day

Hot dogs are the star entrée on the menus of cookouts and baseball games across the country. So, it’s only fitting that this patriotic classic gets its own holiday during the same month as America’s birthday. The first “All-American Dog” made its debut in the late 1800s when German immigrant Charles Feltman opened his own hot dog stand on Coney Island, sparking a tradition that would become a national favorite.

Hot dog connoisseurs praise this handheld favorite because every bite is just as good as the last. Each mouthful brings an even layer of meat, bread, and toppings, which harmoniously blend to create a delightful flavor profile. This signature consistency isn’t just luck, it’s science! Hot dog manufacturers use maltodextrin, a type of carbohydrate that acts as an emulsifier throughout the meat. This ingredient guarantees that the savory flavor of the dog is spread evenly, so each bite is equally as delightful from the first to the last. Sodium nitrite is another key ingredient, added to preserve the meat’s color and prevent spoilage, helping hot dogs stay fresh and visually appealing from production to plate.

July 30th - National Cheesecake Day

Did you save room for dessert? Celebrate the end of the month with a delectable slice of cheesecake on July 30th! Make the day even sweeter by sharing a slice of your favorite cheesecake with a buddy. Whether you prefer to pair your slice with a couple of fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate, or keep it plain Jane, there’s no wrong way to honor this holiday!

Isn’t it interesting how cheesecakes seem to defy gravity with their solid structure? This unique texture that always seems to keep the cheesecake intact is credited to an ingredient called carrageenan. Specifically, carrageenan kappa and carrageenan iota are commonly added into cheesecake mixtures to give them their desired firmness (no baking is required). These ingredients act as gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agents when added to the cheesecake mixture. No-bake, pre-sliced cheesecakes require clean slicing and stability over shelf life. To achieve this, most bakers often rely on carrageenan.

Craving More Food & Beverage Holidays to Celebrate This Month?

Get ready to snack, sip, and celebrate! July is packed with delicious food holidays you won’t want to miss. Here’s the full list of foodie holidays to look forward to this month. Which tasty date are you most excited for?

Celebrate July’s Tastiest Holidays with Ingredi

Whether you’re grilling for National BBQ Day, whipping up a sundae for National Ice Cream Month, or crafting the perfect hot dog on the Fourth — we’ve got the key ingredients to make your July celebrations unforgettable. Shop the essentials below!