“Discover the Surprising Dishes That Fueled the First Thanksgiving Feast!”
4. Corn
Thanks to the Wampanoag’s guidance, corn was a central part of the meal. They introduced the Pilgrims to maize and taught them how to cultivate it, a skill crucial for survival.
The corn was likely ground into a meal and used to make thick, sweetened porridge instead of being served as the sweet corn on the cob we know today. It symbolized the agricultural wisdom the Wampanoag shared with their new neighbors.
5. Beans
Alongside corn, beans made an appearance at the feast. The Wampanoag practiced the “Three Sisters” method, planting corn, beans, and squash together to support each other’s growth.
These beans added a plant-based protein to the meal and were likely boiled or stewed. They represented the harmony between crops and cultures in this shared harvest celebration.
6. Squash
Squash, including varieties like pumpkin, was another staple at the first Thanksgiving. The Wampanoag had cultivated squash for centuries and taught the Pilgrims how to grow and cook it.
Though there was no pumpkin pie, roasted squash or pumpkin would’ve added a hearty, nutritious side to the meal. Squash showcased the seasonal bounty of the land and was a fitting part of the harvest feast.
7. Nuts (Walnuts, Chestnuts, and Acorns)
Nuts, including walnuts, chestnuts, and acorns, were gathered from the surrounding woods. They provided an essential source of fat and protein and could be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into flour.
