I’ve heard the question “what are grits?” so many times from non-Southerners. It’s not their fault! Grits have gone under the radar for centuries, but it’s my mission to change that. A perfect staple for your pantry, grits can elevate any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be a side dish or the main event. The versatility and deliciousness make them the best type of food to always have on hand. 

What are grits?

Grits are one of America’s (and maybe the world’s) oldest foods. Historians say that they date back to the 16th century, invented by the Native American Muscogee tribe in the Southeastern United States. The earliest recipes consisted of pretty simple ingredients: ground corn, water, and some form of heat. 

Fast forward a few centuries, and grits haven’t changed much, but they have gained new popularity among Southerners and beyond. They are starting to pop up on more and more restaurant menus, most often as a base for Shrimp and Grits. The base recipe stays the same, but chefs have put their own spin on them, adding dairy, spices, and lots of toppings.

At Gritzy, we aim to honor the history of grits and traditional preparation and recipes while also offering an easier solution for those looking for more convenience. Our heat-and-eat grits are ready in 90 seconds, but they maintain the tradition of stone-ground corn and real ingredients. 

Varieties of Grits 

One of the best aspects of grits is their versatility. Like fine wine, there are so many types of grits, and they can be paired with so many different types of meals and scenarios. My favorite grits are stone-ground grits, but there is a time and place for almost every type. So let’s start with stone-ground and go from there:

Stone-ground grits

Stone-ground grits are ground with the germ intact. This means that all the nutrients of the fiber and protein of the corn are maintained in the process. Many chefs and Southerners refuse to use any other grits than stone-ground because of their traditional approach. The only downside to traditional, stone-ground grits is the long prep time. They can take 30 minutes or more to cook on the stove, and you have to stir them constantly. 

Quick Cooking Grits

Quick grits cook much more quickly than traditional, stone-ground grits, but they are milled more finely so you can lose some of the nutrients and flavor. Some people use them as an option when they are in a hurry, but they cannot replicate the taste and texture of true Southern, stone-ground grits.

Instant Grits

Instant grits are very finely ground, pre-cooked, and dehydrated before they are packaged. They are prepared by adding water to rehydrate them before heating in the microwave. While this is a fast option, instant grits stray the furthest from traditional, stone-ground grits and taste the least like them. 

Hominy Grits

Hominy grits are soaked in an alkaline solution before they are stone-ground. This removes the hull and makes it easier for the body to digest. 

Heirloom Grits

Heirloom grits are often different colors than your standard white or yellow grits. You may see colors like red, blue, or even a purple shade of heirloom grits at your local general store, mill, or small grocery stores. They are more rare than traditional stone-ground grits but beloved by certain people and chefs.

Introducing Gritzy!

Now for Gritzy: what makes us different from the rest of these grits you just learned about? Our Ready Grits are the perfect blend of all of these varieties: they have the convenience of instant or quick grits because you can heat and eat them right in the pouch in just 90 seconds. Plus, we also maintain the flavor and texture of traditional grits by using stone-ground grits from trusted US mills. 

What makes Gritzy real grits

Gritzy’s grits are stone-ground and sourced from trusted US mills with generations of industry knowledge. We don’t do anything to the grits before they are added to our recipes, keeping the quality and integrity of the corn intact. Unlike instant grits, which are shaved down and dehydrated, our stone-ground grits are full of nutrients from the entire kernel. They are also non-GMO and gluten-free, so they are a great option for many dietary needs.

Are Grits Gluten-Free?

Yes! Corn is naturally gluten-free. We use stone-ground corn and only add other gluten-free ingredients after that. We also test every batch to ensure that they maintain their gluten-free status during our production process. We are certified gluten-free by the Where Food Comes From organization.

Southern cooking is based in corn and grits

Southern cooking and corn go hand in hand, with so many of the most popular Southern recipes being corn-based. From grits to cornbread to hushpuppies, corn has been a staple in Southern diets for centuries. The earliest forms of these corn-based foods date back to the pre-colonial times when Native Americans developed ways to use the weather-resistant crop. They passed down their knowledge to settlers in the region, and that’s why we still follow some of the same techniques for growing, harvesting, and cooking corn today.

Cooking stone-ground grits

While stone-ground grits are the real deal for Southerners, they used to take a very long time to cook. Because the corn is not stripped down before it’s ground up, grits must cook on the stovetop for 30 minutes or more as the water and other ingredients soak into the corn. While delicious, stone-ground grits have never been very easy to cook…until now! Here at Gritzy, we’ve developed a way to make stone-ground grits heat and eat in just 90 seconds. We keep the traditions of the stone-ground grits you love while adding the convenience of modern day. All you have to do is tear open a pouch of Gritzy Classic or Buttery grits, put them in the microwave for 90 seconds, pour them into a bowl, and you’ve got a delicious meal or side dish.

Grits Recipes

There are so many ways to use grits in your favorite recipes. From breakfast to supper, you’ll never be lacking in options to whip up an easy meal at home. Check out our latest recipes below.

• Best Breakfast Grits Bowl: Whether you need a savory, relaxing weekend meal or a quick bowl before you run out the door on Monday, the Best Breakfast Grits bowl is perfect for solo diner or family meals. With our Gritzy Buttery Ready Grits as a base, you just need to top them with some breakfast favorites.

• Shrimp and Grits: Using our Gritzy Classic Ready Grits as your base, this easy shrimp and grits recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends at your next gathering.