When people think of porridge, they think of one of two things: they think of nursery rhymes (thanks mainly to “Pease Porridge Hot”), or they think of a disgusting, gruel-like substance that was eaten by peasants during the Middle Ages and into the Industrial Revolution.

However, neither one of these characterizations gives a good idea of how modern porridge can be a great dish for breakfast or any other meal. Porridge made from grains such as oats is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrition.

That’s why we think that everyone should change their perception of this dish. And they can do that by observing World Porridge Day when it comes around on October 10th.

The History of World Porridge Day

World Porridge Day was first celebrated in 2009 during a charity event. This event was organized to raise money for Mary’s Meals, a charity based in Argyll, Scotland, that worked to help starving children in developing countries. It’s observed not only with the distribution of maize-based porridge to starving children but also by the World Porridge Making Championship.

Fast Facts About Porridge

Below are some fast facts about porridge that we think everyone will be able to appreciate. Let’s take a quick look at them before talking about how World Porridge Day is observed.

• Most porridge is made from crushed oats that have been boiled.
• Porridge can be made with any cereal grain.
• The word “porridge” was first used in the 16th century. It may have been a variant of the word “pottage,” a type of stew.
• The Poet Laureate Robert Southey wrote the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”
• When tropical snails are fed porridge, their sexual activity increases.

Observing World Porridge Day

People can observe World Porridge Day by taking the time to donate to an organization that helps starving children. Once that’s done, people can take the time to introduce themselves to porridge. The Internet has a variety of great porridge recipes that people can check out; all they have to do is search for the hashtag #WorldPorridgeDay to find them.

Some of our favorite recipes include Chocolate-Orange Porridge, Black Forest Porridge, and Nutella Porridge. These are dishes that we think everyone can appreciate on this day dedicated to this humble, but delicious, dish.