Sourest Day

Shubhra Shukla
Dec 22, 2023 By Shubhra Shukla
Originally Published on Mar 22, 2022
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala
Sourest Day, celebrated on October 25, is a unique day. Read more about it here.

Where is Sourest Day celebrated?

Sourest Day is celebrated on October 25 every year in the USA to honor the sour taste.

Who is Sourest Day celebrated by?

Americans celebrate Sourest Day as it is said that the sour flavor is a flavor that excites the palette and it boosts the taste buds in the mouth.

When did Sourest Day first start?

Richard Ankli created this day in 1977 on October 25, which just happened to be his friend’s birthday.

Who started Sourest Day?

Richard Ankli of Ann Arbor, Michigan created this holiday to honor a friend with the last name Sauer.

History And Timeline

Sour foods have existed on the planet for a long time. One of the very first crops was eight million years ago! People around the world have since then enjoyed their blends of this natural fruit, although not everyone may know they are good for your gut because they are put through a similar process to fermented foods.

The first known instance of kimchi occurred in Seoul around 2,000 years ago when a Korean high-class court lady added seasonings, as well as probiotic-rich fungal and bacterial ingredients, to her pickled cabbage. The concoction was then left out for several months before being consumed by the noblewoman and her inner circle.

Lemon juice was invented in Paris, France back in the late 1640s. People initially didn’t like it because they thought it was bitter and sour.

It wasn’t until around 100 years later that people began to appreciate this unique tasting drink. Lemons were then cultivated in Europe and eventually exported overseas to the United States via New Orleans by the end of the 18th century.

First Lemonade

Egyptian records mention that a drink similar to a lemonade was made with lemons and dates existed in 1000 A.D.

13th to 14th century

Sweet And Sour Chicken

The famous dish first originated in China and became exceptionally popular in the U.S. a couple of 100 years later.

18th century

Sour Bombs

The traditional sour bombs were invented during this time in Vietnam.

1975

Fastest Lemon

The fastest time to peel and eat a lemon is 8.25 seconds, which was set by Ashrita Furman of the United States, at the Songs of the Soul offices in New York City, USA on May 3, 2010. 

2010

Traditions And Customs

Chinese restaurants have provided the perfect example of the ideal sweet and sour blend. This combination has reached perfection amongst classic dishes like lemon chicken and egg rolls and is dominant in about all of the menu.

Whether you’re looking to chow down on sweet-and-sour chicken or dip crab rangoons in the classic sauce, your chosen spot won't fail to surprise you. Why do lemonades taste better if they've been bought from the street corner for a quarter?

It's just that in our memory, it tastes great and we enjoy the refreshing zip! Don't forget to support them when you find one on the street.

Ways To Celebrate Sourest Day

Skip the Minute Maid, mix yourself a glass of lemonade, and try a glass of buttermilk with dinner. If you're craving some sour candy, try Sour Patch Kids or gummy worms in sour candy flavor.

Eat a bagel with sour cream, or have some sour fruits like oranges or kiwi. It’s time to taste test different forms of sour flavors. Grab a few friends and family members, as well as a bunch of the sourest candy you can find.

You will undoubtedly have some people who are 'supertasters' in your group, meaning they have a greater than average concentration of the bitter receptors on their tongue. You can even lift the life of the sour people you know!

Facts And Stats

  • According to ayurvedic principles, sour foods trigger the salivary glands and begin the digestive process. A good reason to eat some on Sourest Day.
  • Organic acids in sour foods that can aid nutrient absorption are citric acid, which increases iron absorption, and lactic acid, which helps maximize calcium intake. These make sour foods a healthy option on Sourest Day.
  • While we believe the human tongue has the maximum taste buds, the majority of them are located in our throat and mouth. This is a fun fact to share with your kids on Sourest Day.

What is the sourest food in the world?

The umeboshi plum is regarded as the sourest.

What is the motto of Sourest Day?

To promote the benefits of sour taste.

What are some advantages of celebrating Sourest Day?

Sour foods are as much important for our body as any other foods and this day promotes the probiotic activity they have.

Why is there a lot of buzz around Sourest Day?

People celebrate Sourest Day to show their love for the astringent, pungent taste.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, October 24, 2020
  • Sunday, October 24, 2021
  • Monday, October 24, 2022
  • Tuesday, October 24, 2023
  • Friday, October 25, 2024

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Written by Shubhra Shukla

Bachelor of Technology specializing in Computer Science

Shubhra Shukla picture

Shubhra ShuklaBachelor of Technology specializing in Computer Science

With experience in digital marketing, social media strategy, and creative copywriting, Shubhra is a skilled writer and editor at Kidadl. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering from Gujarat Technological University/Narnarayan Shastri Institute of Technology (N.S.I.T) and believes in the power of words to influence people. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah Gulbargawala picture

Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.

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