Thanksgiving occurs every year on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving is typically known for bringing people together, expressing gratitude, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, maybe even running a Turkey Trot with your family and friends, but one aspect that always comes to mind is the food! Are you curious where each dish comes from?
- Turkey
In 1621, many members of the Plymouth colony feasted with Native Americans. Their three-day harvest feast included wild turkey. Why? Predominantly because of their large size. Additionally, wild turkeys were native to North America, especially in areas where Native Americans settled, making this dish accessible. Oftentimes, turkey is served with gravy or cranberry sauce.
- Corn
In early America, many Native Americans and Pilgrims grew corn. This crop became a staple for Thanksgiving dinners because of the successful harvest. However, the corn that was eaten on Thanksgiving in 1621 is most likely not the corn you are used to eating on Thanksgiving. The corn that was eaten in 1621 is known as “flint corn.” It was not eaten on the cob and was most likely eaten as cornmeal that was turned into porridge or mush.
- Pumpkin Pie
Although pumpkin pie may not have exactly been on the table during the first Thanksgiving, pumpkins definitely were. Pumpkins were a staple crop for early settlers in North America. Some believe that a dish similar to pumpkin pie, possibly a crustless and custard version, was eaten on the first Thanksgiving. Pumpkins are a notorious staple of the fall season. However, it was nothing like today’s modern day pumpkin pie. The pie today is an evolution of the first one.
- Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes…my favorite! Mashed potatoes were not on the table for the first Thanksgiving because they were not yet introduced. However, they began to become popular in the 18th century, causing them to appear on the Thanksgiving table. Potatoes are both filling and inexpensive and have become a staple vegetable grown in North America. You may even see sweet potatoes on the Thanksgiving table. Now they are served in different ways, but primarily as mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving!