Skip to main content
University Communications
News
Intellect

Green Jell-O and fry sauce: BYU professor looks at folklore of Utah foods

June 18, 2014

As a folklorist, BYU English professor Eric Eliason studies the cultures, traditions, stories and customs of everyday people. Where's the prime place to see all of those things come together? The state fair, of course.

Watch as Eliason discusses the folklore behind Utah foods at the Utah State Fair.

Eliason's research is for a book he's currently working on all about the folklore of Utah foods. Along with Jell-O and fry sauce, the book will look at funeral potatoes, scones, thick shakes, Sanpete turkey, Bear River raspberries, Postum and more.

Green Jell-O and fry sauce: BYU professor looks at folklore of Utah foods
1 of 6
1309-36 010.jpg
Jaren S. Wilkey/BYU Photo
2 of 6
1309-36 075.jpg
Jaren S. Wilkey/BYU Photo
3 of 6
1309-36 164.jpg
Jaren S. Wilkey/BYU Photo
4 of 6
1309-36 207.jpg
Jaren S. Wilkey/BYU Photo
5 of 6
1309-36 318.jpg
Jaren S. Wilkey/BYU Photo
6 of 6
1309-36 004.jpg
Jaren S. Wilkey/BYU Photo
1 of 6
Download this Gallery By clicking this link you agree to our Terms & Conditions

Media Contact: Jon McBride
Read More From

ABC4 News

KSL.com

Salt Lake Tribune

Related Articles

data-content-type="article"
Intellect

Online meetings have benefits — but in-person interaction remains irreplaceable, BYU psychologist says

By Abigail Degn
February 12, 2026
As video calls, online meetings, and digital messaging become the default for work and social life, new research from BYU psychology professor Dianne Tice shows that something important is lost —shared physical presence. Without co-presence, you lose subtle facial signs, synchronized timing and responses, as well as the spontaneous, informal moments that build relationships.
3 Min Read
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"
Intellect

BYU prof whose research touches lives across Pacific, honored as Big 12 Conference Faculty of the Year

By Ellie Larsen
February 09, 2026
Biology professor Rick Gill is one of 16 faculty — one from each Big 12 school — to receive the Big 12 Conference Faculty of the Year honor, awarded for innovation and research on each faculty member’s respective campuses. The awards were started in 2024, and Gill is BYU’s second honoree (following Charles Graham), which goes to dedicated faculty who “represent and reflect all the best attributes that make a college campus a bastion for learning and growth."
3 Min Read
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"
Intellect

Forum: Dr. Francis Collins

By Sage Johns
January 27, 2026
“Faith and reason are hand-in-hand ways that we find answers.”
1 Min Read
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
Next
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=