What did they eat on the first Thanksgiving? This question has intrigued historians and food enthusiasts alike for centuries. The first Thanksgiving, held in 1621, marked a celebration between the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag Native Americans. Despite popular misconceptions, the menu was not as we imagine it today.
The first Thanksgiving was a harvest festival, and the food served was a reflection of the season and the resources available to the Pilgrims. Historians have pieced together the menu based on diaries, letters, and accounts from the time. Here’s a look at some of the dishes that were likely on the table.
One of the main courses was undoubtedly the Native American dish of venison, which was a common food source for both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. Deer meat was tender and flavorful, and it would have been a significant part of the meal.
Another main dish was the fowl that the Pilgrims were familiar with, which included turkeys, ducks, and geese. While the turkey is now synonymous with Thanksgiving, it was not the only bird served. The exact number of turkeys eaten at the first Thanksgiving is unknown, but it was likely a few, as turkeys were not as abundant as other game birds at the time.
For the vegetables, the Pilgrims would have had access to local produce such as corn, beans, and pumpkins. Corn was a staple in the Native American diet and would have been served in various forms, including cornbread and succotash, a dish made with corn, beans, and sometimes meat.
As for the sweet course, the Pilgrims would have enjoyed the fruits of the season, such as apples, grapes, and berries. They may have also had access to honey, which was a common sweetener at the time.
While the menu may have been simple by today’s standards, it was a celebration of abundance and gratitude. The first Thanksgiving was not a lavish feast, but rather a humble meal that brought together two cultures in a spirit of peace and friendship.
As we gather around our tables today, we can appreciate the rich history behind the first Thanksgiving and the food that was shared. While the menu has evolved over the centuries, the spirit of gratitude and community remains at the heart of this beloved holiday.
