You could say that all states have quirks – except maybe Texas, which has more than just a few. Here are nine official Texas state symbols you may not know.
History
Do You Know These Odd Texas State Symbols?
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1. State Pepper
Photo: Flickr/Derek Markham
If you can’t stand the heat – you better find somewhere else to take your boots off. The native pepper, known as the chiltepin, is one of the hottest peppers in the world. Pronounced “chili-pe-keen”, this little round pepper is comparable to a habanero. The state’s non-native official pepper is the jalapeño, but it is relatively mild in comparison.
2. State Bread
Photo: Overland Trailer
Pan de Campo was named the official State bread in 2005. This cowboy throw-back is cooked in a Dutch oven over an open camp fire. Its origins date back to the Wild West when cowboys drove cattle north to market.
3. State Dish
Photo: Flickr/Luca Nebuloni
Nope, not barbecue. Cooking in Texas means that you know how to throw together a mean pot of chili. This official state dish is showcased at cook-offs around the state. Some like it hot, and some like it hotter!
4. State Pie
Photo: Flickr/Jill
Who doesn’t love pecan pie? If you are from Texas, you know that pecan pie is a staple at any gathering. In fact, in 2013 the Texas Legislature made pecan pie the state pie. Yes, that’s right. Texans – go ahead and indulge yourselves. After all, you can’t say no to the official state pie. Can you?
5. State Dinosaur
Photo: Pinterest
We grow them bigger in Texas – but maybe a Paluxysaurus is more than what you bargained for. Bones from the Texas State Dinosaur were found near Waco, Texas, in the mid-1980s. This dinosaur was 70-feet-long and 12-feet-high at the shoulders, making it one of the largest creatures to ever roam the Earth. I guess it is only fitting that was found in the Lone Star State.
6. State Tall Ship
