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Did You Know? Fun Facts About the First Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving today is known for its turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. But if you went back to the very first Thanksgiving in 1621, you’d find a meal that looked quite a bit different! Here’s a look at what the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag likely enjoyed at their three-day feast and some surprising differences from our Thanksgiving tables today.

Fun Fact #1: No Turkey as the Main Course!

While there may have been wild turkey at the first Thanksgiving, it wasn’t the main course. The Wampanoag guests actually brought five deer to the celebration, so venison was the real star of the meal. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag also enjoyed other wild fowl, like ducks and geese.

Fun Fact #2: Plenty of Seafood

Living along the New England coast meant that seafood was abundant. Lobster, mussels, clams, and fish likely made up a big part of the feast, adding a coastal twist that we don’t see as often at Thanksgiving today.

Fun Fact #3: No Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkins may have been around, but pumpkin pie as we know it wasn’t on the menu! The early settlers didn’t have sugar or ovens for baking pies, so they likely cooked pumpkins by boiling or roasting them. Instead of the sweet treats we love today, their dessert options were a bit more rustic.

Fun Fact #4: Corn in a Different Form

The Wampanoag introduced the Pilgrims to a dish made from corn, but it wasn’t quite like the cornbread we know. They prepared corn by pounding it into a coarse meal, which could be eaten as porridge or used as a thickener in stews.

Fun Fact #5: Beans and Squash Were Staples

Alongside venison and seafood, the Wampanoag likely shared harvest crops like beans and squash. These were staple foods that helped sustain them through the seasons, and they became part of the Thanksgiving feast too.

Thanksgiving Traditions Evolve

The first Thanksgiving meal was a unique blend of Native American and Pilgrim contributions, showcasing the resources and foods of the time. While today’s Thanksgiving menu has changed, it’s fun to look back and see how this feast has evolved.

What’s the most unusual dish on your Thanksgiving table, or a fun food tradition your family has? Share it below—we’d love to hear about your unique Thanksgiving flavors!

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