Turkey – An American Original

Curious as I am about all things historical, I’ve been thinking lately about the turkey, and found out a few interesting facts about this American original:

  • Native Americans hunted wild turkeys as early as 1000AD.
  • Wild turkeys were one of the first exports from the America to Europe.
  • As early as the 16th century, wild turkeys were being domesticated and crossbred in Europe.
  • Contrary to popular belief, the turkey was not on the menu at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. In fact, it did not become a Thanksgiving staple until 1800.
  • Today, turkeys eaten around the world are all descended from wild American turkeys.
  • In America, the average annual consumption is 16 pounds per person.
  • Besides the meat of the turkey, the feathers are used for pillows and down comforters, and the hide used for belts and shoes.

As the aroma of turkey fills your home tomorrow, remember to give thanks for the unattractive bird that is the center of the meal, and an American original.

——-> UP NEXTA Thanksgiving Poem for you by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

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Suzanne

Cattle, corn, wheat, beans, mud, snow, ice, and drought. Plenty of fresh air and quiet. Our life is sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes joyous, but never boring.

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5 Responses

  1. GinMT says:

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Suzanne! Hope you and Harland have a wonderful day!

  2. Lynn says:

    Unattractive? I think they’re awesome!

  3. Enjoyed reading your facts about turkeys. It’s always fun to learn a little something. We have wild turkeys that show up in our backyard from time to time. They kinda make there rounds throuhout the neighborhood. I have some footage and I was trying to make a video clip of the wild turkeys for my blog today but was having trouble publishing it to my computer…gotta wait til the Hubster comes home so he can help!! Hopefully I can post it this week.
    P.S. As I type I am making your recipe for cranberry sauce!

  4. Ok, cranberry sauce is done!! I plan on freezing half of it for Christmas dinner. 🙂

  5. We sure will.

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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