Saratoga’s Bizarre Peppermint Pig Smash Tradition
New York is famous for a number of things. We've got some amazing sports teams, many famous people grew up here. We've even been the home of some former and current presidents. Let's not forget the music scene. One other thing that New York is known for is it's food and that would include the infamous peppermint pig.
The peppermint pig was made right here in Upstate New York at the Saratoga Candy Company. Which if you've never gone in to visit this shop in downtown Saratoga Springs you are really missing out. I live in Albany so I have seen their famous pig on display at other candy shops in the area such as Krause's.
What's the tradition?
I guess you're supposed to break the pig into a bunch of little pieces inside of a bag with a hammer. I often wondered why a pig? I guess it's supposed to be a good luck symbol in other parts of the world and since we're a country of immigrants we embraced those older traditions.
Kids must love this. I think that I may have to introduce this to mine in the coming years and start doing it myself.
This is one tradition that I have never taken part in before and I've lived in the Capital Region my entire life. As a matter of fact I don't know of anyone, friend or relative, that has ever done this before. It is hands down one of the most bizarre traditions I have come across. However, it seems incredibly delicious.
The peppermint pig isn't just popular here in the Capital Region, but all around the country has they ship them everywhere, especially around the holidays.
New York Towns That Share the Same Name
Gallery Credit: Karolyi
More From Q 105.7
