What To Know
- Buffalo sauce, a staple of American cuisine, originated in the city of Buffalo, New York, in the early 1960s.
- When buffalo sauce is used as a generic term to describe any hot sauce made with cayenne pepper and melted butter, it can be argued that capitalization is unnecessary.
- If the sauce is being referred to in a formal or official setting, capitalization is appropriate.
The debate over whether buffalo sauce should be capitalized has been simmering for years, leaving many food enthusiasts wondering about the proper way to spell this beloved condiment. This comprehensive guide will delve into the history, usage, and capitalization rules surrounding buffalo sauce, providing you with the knowledge to navigate this culinary conundrum with confidence.
A Culinary History of Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce, a staple of American cuisine, originated in the city of Buffalo, New York, in the early 1960s. It was created by Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of Anchor Bar, who accidentally coated some fried chicken wings in a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter. The resulting dish became an instant hit, and buffalo sauce has since spread to become a ubiquitous condiment.
The Case for Capitalization
1. Proper Nouns and Geographical Significance:
Buffalo sauce takes its name from the city of Buffalo, New York, where it was invented. As a proper noun denoting a specific geographical location, “Buffalo” should be capitalized.
2. Established Brand Names:
Many popular buffalo sauce brands, such as Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce and Anchor Bar Buffalo Wing Sauce, capitalize “Buffalo” in their product names. This capitalization suggests that the term has become a recognized brand identifier.
The Case for Non-Capitalization
1. Generic Terms:
When buffalo sauce is used as a generic term to describe any hot sauce made with cayenne pepper and melted butter, it can be argued that capitalization is unnecessary. In this sense, it is similar to other generic food terms like “ketchup” or “mustard.”
2. Culinary Conventions:
In the culinary world, many sauces and condiments are not capitalized. For example, “ranch dressing,” “barbecue sauce,” and “honey mustard” are all typically written in lowercase.
Capitalization Guidelines
1. Official Usage:
Government agencies and official documents, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), capitalize “Buffalo” when referring to the city and its culinary creations.
2. Culinary Publications:
Reputable culinary magazines and cookbooks often capitalize “Buffalo” when discussing the specific sauce or dishes made with it.
3. Context and Intent:
Ultimately, the decision to capitalize or not capitalize “buffalo sauce” depends on the context and intent of the writer. If the sauce is being referred to in a formal or official setting, capitalization is appropriate. However, in more informal contexts or when used as a generic term, lowercase may be more suitable.
Variations and Regional Preferences
1. Alternative Spellings:
Some people may encounter alternative spellings of buffalo sauce, such as “buffalosauce” or “buffalowingsauce.” While these spellings are not technically incorrect, they are less common and may not be recognized by everyone.
2. Regional Differences:
In some regions, buffalo sauce may be referred to by different names. For example, in the Midwest, it is sometimes called “hot wing sauce.” These regional variations do not affect the capitalization rules.
Usage Examples
Capitalized:
- “I love the spicy kick of Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce.”
- “The Anchor Bar Buffalo Wing Sauce is a classic for a reason.”
- “The USDA recommends using Buffalo sauce as a marinade for chicken wings.”
Lowercase:
- “I’m craving some buffalo sauce on my pizza.”
- “The buffalo wings at this restaurant are amazing.”
- “Can you pass me the honey mustard and buffalo sauce?”
Beyond Capitalization: Other Considerations
In addition to capitalization, there are other factors to consider when writing about buffalo sauce:
1. Hyphenation:
When buffalo sauce is used as an adjective, it should be hyphenated. For example: “buffalo-style chicken wings.”
2. Plurals:
The plural form of buffalo sauce is “buffalo sauces.”
3. Consistency:
It is important to maintain consistency in capitalization throughout your writing. Once you decide on a capitalization style, stick with it for the entire piece.
Takeaways: A Matter of Choice and Context
The question of whether buffalo sauce should be capitalized is not a clear-cut one. Both capitalization and non-capitalization have valid arguments, and the decision ultimately depends on the context and intent of the writer. By understanding the history, usage, and capitalization guidelines surrounding this iconic condiment, you can make an informed choice that suits your needs.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Is buffalo sauce named after the animal?
No, buffalo sauce is not named after the animal. It takes its name from the city of Buffalo, New York, where it was invented.
2. What is the difference between buffalo sauce and hot sauce?
Buffalo sauce is a specific type of hot sauce made with cayenne pepper and melted butter. It is typically thicker and more flavorful than regular hot sauce.
3. Can I make buffalo sauce at home?
Yes, you can easily make buffalo sauce at home by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar. There are many recipes available online to help you get started.
4. What are some popular uses for buffalo sauce?
Buffalo sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, but it can also be used as a marinade, a topping for pizza, or an ingredient in other dishes.
5. How long does buffalo sauce last?
Homemade buffalo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Commercial buffalo sauce can typically last for several months.
