Nourishing Foods that are Uniquely American

+ recipe for holiday breakfast bake

Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday, in part because of the glorious feast it revolves around, but also because it is a time dedicated to gratitude and connection—two critical factors for cultivating happiness in life.

Gratitude is built into the holiday’s name, of course, compelling thoughts about what we are thankful for in our lives. Connection comes not only from family and friends gathering around the table, but also from celebrating the harvest which connects us with nature and the gifts of the land we live on.

So many of the foods we enjoy at Thanksgiving are truly American, originating here and sustaining indigenous people for thousands of years. As you feast on Thursday, I hope you feel gratitude, connection with loved ones, and a relationship with this land which provides so much delicious, nutritious food. Here is some history and nutrition info about the uniquely American foods that will likely be on your plate:

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Turkey

If you’ve ever been in another country on Thanksgiving and tried to find a turkey to cook —like I did when I was living in Spain years ago ( I finally found a turkey cutlet after visiting nearly a dozen butcher shops) —you realize what a truly American food it is.

The wild turkey is native to North America and was domesticated more than 2000 years ago by indigenous people. Like other poultry, turkey is lean, very high in protein (two thick slices provides 24 g) and rich in B vitamins and minerals such as selenium and zinc. Don’t blame the turkey if you are feeling tired after eating it as part of your Thanksgiving feast. I explain why here: Does Turkey Really Make You Tired?

Cranberries

Cranberries are a unique species indigenous to North America that grow on a low, vining plant in bogs in the cooler areas of the Northern Hemisphere and are harvested in the fall when they are crimson red. They don’t grow underwater, though many people have that impression because water is often used to float the fruit to make it more easily harvested.

Besides being turned into sauces and eaten plain, cranberries have been used by indigenous people to make what could be considered the original energy bar — a food called pemmican or wasna that is a mixture of dried meat or fish, berries, rendered fat, and seasonings. The fruit is rich in health-protective antioxidants and a type of polyphenols that may help prevent urinary tract infections. It is also a source of vitamin C, manganese and fiber.

Pecans