Aunt Jemima’s pancake mix was one of the first “mixes” ever sold (from the R.T. Davis Milling Company). Former slave Nancy Green was hired as a spokesperson for the Aunt Jemima pancake mix in 1890. Green played the Jemima character from 1890 until 1923. The world first “discovered” the real Aunt Jemima (Green) at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1893, where she would make pancakes. Today, most of us know her from the kindly portrait on the label of the American iconic syrup and mixes.

Five Food Finds about Aunt Jemima
- Most people think of the Aunt Jemima brand as a syrup, but it actually wasn’t introduced as a syrup until 1966.
- Some view Aunt Jemima as a negative racial stereotype. Throughout the years, the brand has done some work to create a more empowering image of her.
- Aunt Jemima’s pancake mix was one of the first “mixes” ever sold.
- At the World’s Columbian Exposition, Aunt Jemima’ (Nancy Green) demonstrated how to use the new mix. The exhibit was so popular, police had to control the crowds at the Aunt Jemima booth.
- Aunt Jemima was the first pancake mix available, and it continues to be one of the best-selling in the world.

Categories: Encyclopedia
Tagged: aunt jemima, columbian exhibition, food, Food Facts, foodimentary, fun, historic, historical, history, life, news, pancake, pancake mix, syrup, wordpress
Very interesting. I have to admit, I’m kind of surprised she didn’t invent the recipe or something.
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Reblogged this on Colby is Mega.
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Reblogged this on supplementspot and commented:
This was just too interesting to pass up. Instead of an actual recipe today, enjoy reading about the history of Aunt Jemima. We promise you’ll learn something new!
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It was never clear if “Aunt Jemima” was real or just a marketing illustration. Thanks for posting.,
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Love your historic take on foods. In Britain, Jemima is associated with Beatrix Potter (Jemima Puddle-Duck).
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I love the way you bring history to live the pan cake article, the portrait of A.J. part of our week end breakfast.Thank you for sharing.
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Great post … never heard about this, Aunt Jemima – love reading about her. Thanks for digging out all this information for us. Wish you a great start on your week.
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We were a Bisquick family, but the Aunt Jemima commercials were part of my childhood television experience.
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I find Aunt Jemima to be a proud image instead of a negative stereotype! I love Aunt Jemima for who she is, and what she was able to accomplish! Loved the post as usual! 🙂
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I just had Aunt Jemima Pancakes this morning. Thank you for an insight into the origins of this brand.
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