Emily Meggett: The Matriarch of Gullah Geechee Cuisine

Emily Meggett, known as the matriarch of Gullah Geechee cuisine, is a legendary figure who has dedicated her life to preserving the rich culinary traditions of her community. Raised on Edisto Island, South Carolina, Meggett learned the art of Gullah cooking from her family, carrying forward recipes and techniques rooted in West African heritage.

Gullah Geechee cuisine, marked by seafood, rice, and fresh vegetables, reflects the ingenuity of the enslaved Africans who settled along the Southeastern U.S. coast. Meggett’s dishes, like stews and gumbos, are known for their simplicity, authenticity, and deep cultural significance.
A beloved mentor, Meggett has passed her knowledge on to younger generations, ensuring the survival of Gullah traditions. Her 2022 cookbook, "Gullah Geechee Home Cooking," brought her wider recognition, celebrating her role as a cultural preserver and storyteller.

Meggett's legacy as a culinary icon continues to inspire, connecting people to the history and heart of the Gullah Geechee community.

Learn more - NPR article: "For Gullah Geechee chef Emily Meggett, cooking was about heart"