National Sofrito Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Sofrito Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Sofrito Day is celebrated on March 11th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Sofrito Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about National Sofrito Day.

📅 What day is National Sofrito Day 2024?

In 2024, National Sofrito Day is on Saturday, March 11th. It is the 2nd Saturday in March; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about March 11, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Sofrito is a popular condiment in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, commonly used as a foundation for various dishes. It is made by blending herbs, spices, garlic, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro together. Sofrito has been a significant part of Latin and Caribbean cuisine for a long time, and its influence has even spread to other countries like France and Italy. On National Sofrito Day, people celebrate by sharing their favorite sofrito recipes. Some may participate in seminars or cookouts, where a winner is crowned the “King or Queen of Sofrito” and their special recipe is shared with everyone.

📜 National Sofrito Day History

In the Dominican Republic, sofrito was known as ‘sazon’ and it added flavor with vinegar and color with annatto. In Puerto Rico, sofrito was called ‘recaito’ and it included ingredients like coriander and chili peppers. Cuban sofrito used tomatoes and red peppers for sweetness and color, along with diced ham. Brazilians added bay leaves to their sofrito, while in Mexico, cumin seeds and jalapenos provided a spicy and smoky taste. Portuguese ‘refogado’ was simpler, made with minced garlic and chopped onion.

Nowadays, sofrito is widely popular and has different names and variations in various countries. It is available at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and food stalls. French cuisine has its own version called “mirepoix” made with carrots, leeks, and celery, while Italian cuisine has “battuto.”

✅ National Sofrito Day Facts

🔖 Sofrito is an ingredient, not a meal
Sofrito is a fundamental component of a dish, but it should not be mistaken for a dip, sauce, or spread.

🔖 Keep it fresh
Due to the use of organic ingredients, sofrito has a shorter shelf life and will spoil within approximately one week, requiring a fresh batch to be made.

🔖 It wasn’t always a tomato sauce
Sofrito, a traditional sauce in Europe, did not originally contain tomatoes. However, it was not until Christopher Columbus introduced tomatoes to Europe during the 16th century that they became a common ingredient in sofrito.

👍 Why Is National Sofrito Day Important

Sofrito is made entirely of organic ingredients. It’s a delicious but nutritious complement to your dishes.

Sofrito gives your food a boost of flavor and spiciness. Once you’ve tasted it in your cooking, you’ll always feel that a meal is missing something.

Sofrito is well-known throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Mediterranean. It’s a versatile recipe that can be readily swapped with whatever ingredients you have on hand, and you can adjust it to fit any soup or sauce you choose.

🙂 How To Observe National Sofrito Day

⚡ Share recipes
I would love for you to share your favorite sofrito recipes with your loved ones. It’s important that everyone gets to experience delicious cuisine.

⚡ Make sofrito at home
Making your own sofrito at home is the ultimate choice because it allows you to have complete control over the ingredients and quantities used. Additionally, the delightful aroma it creates in your kitchen is simply amazing.

⚡ Try out different kinds
Puerto Rican sofrito differs from Dominican sofrito, and Haitian sofrito is not the same as Italian sofrito. Explore various flavors and recipes to discover your preferred one.

📅 When is National Sofrito Day?

View all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Cultural holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Sofrito Day. So be sure to check back soon.