In other places, Benedictine might be known for being the French herbal liqueur used in cocktails or possibly confused for being the first name of English actor Benedict Cumberbatch — afterall it is only one letter off — but in these parts, we know it lovingly as a bright green cucumber spread invented right here in the 502.

Most Louisvillians know the sophisticated history of this tea sandwich filling turned modern deli favorite and that it’s a Derby party mainstay for dipping + spreading.

Reader Mary K. said, “I remember growing up anytime you had a shower or a ladies lunch, Bendictine was always a staple.”

But just in case you need to refresh your memory, here are four quick facts to whip out next time you need to school someone in Benedictine history.

It was invented by Louisville restaurateur + cookbook author Jennie Carter Benedict — who is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery — in the early 20th century.
Jennie created the spread to serve during tea service at her restaurant, Benedict’s Restaurant, formerly at 554 S. 4th St. — near The Louisville Palace.
Originally, just the juice from the onion and cucumber were used in the recipe, but modern takes and family recipes now include grated veggies + green food coloring to distinguish it from regular cream cheese.
It’s rare to find Benedictine outside of Kentucky, but it has made national appearances in the Food Network’s “50 States 50 Sandwiches” + on PopSugar food programs.

Once you’ve spread a little local history, recommend these 10+ local spots to try and buy it.

Where to buy it

Morris Deli, 2228 Taylorsville Rd.

Grab the spread by the half-pound for $5.59 at this made-to-order deli where your sandwich is priced by weight.

Lotsa Pasta, 3717 Lexington Rd.

Made with fresh dill and green food coloring, snag this popular version for $7.99 or try it on a sammie at the deli.

Harvey’s Cheese, Inside Logan Street Market, 1001 Logan St.

Pick up a tub of this non-traditional version made with local goat cheese for $7.99.

Paul’s Fruit Market, Various locations

With four locations in Derby City, we’ll never have to worry about a Benedicitne shortage at Paul’s where you can buy it by the pound for $11.99.

Where to try it

The Café, 711 Brent St.

This Paristown cafe uses its homemade Benedictine on The Queen Anne sandwich made with artisan walnut wheat bread, bacon, sliced cucumbers + lettuce.

Toasty’s Tavern, 158 S. Shelby St.

Roll over Beethoven — Toasty’s Benedictine Cheese Ball is here to disrupt the classic spread. It’s made with white cheddar and cucumber + served with toast points and quick pickles.

Stevens & Stevens, 1114 Bardstown Rd.

Take a bite out of the delicatessen’s Me Turkey You Jane sando layered with turkey, benedictine, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on wheat bread.

Bonus: Try five more Benedictine sandwiches here:

Gracious Plenty, 9207 US Hwy. 42, Prospect, KY
Plehn’s Bakery, 3940 Shelbyville Rd.
Kayrouz Cafe, 3801 Willis Ave.
Shady Lane Cafe, 4806 Brownsboro Center
Irish Rover, 2319 Frankfort Ave.

Mix up a batch of your own using Jennie Benedict’s recipe from GotoLouisville.com.

8 ounces of cream cheese softened
3 tablespoons cucumber juice
1 tablespoon onion juice
1 teaspoon salt
A few grains of cayenne pepper
2 drops green food coloring

To get the cucumber juice, peel and grate a cucumber. Then wrap with a clean dish towel and squeeze juice into a dish. Discard pulp. Do the same for the onion. Mix all ingredients with a fork until well blended. Using a blender will make the spread too runny. Serve as a dip or a sandwich filling.