The First Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving



Ever wonder what the pilgrims and their Wampanoag guests really ate at the first Thanksgiving? Contrary to popular belief, they didn't sit down to a feast of turkey, corn, cranberries and pumpkin pie. They didn't even have forks!

That feast, which lasted several days, probably consisted mostly of venison, fowl and maybe even some seafood. Other table fare may have included: pumpkin, plums, chestnuts and liverwort (as seasoning). Since sugar was was scarcely available, they did not have cranberry sauce or pies (no ovens), although they used dried fruit and sweet spices such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in their roasting and cooking.

The best food was placed on the table near the most important person. All food was brought to table as it became ready and, as there was no passing of platters or bowls, diners ate only what was placed nearby.

Source: Kathleen Curtin, Food Historian at Plimoth Plantation


Happy Thanksgiving to all our patients and readers,

Dr. Maynard, Angela, Christy, Lindsay and Danae