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Why eat turkey at Thanksgiving? The origin and story of eating turkey at Thanksgiving

Why do you have the habit of eating turkey on Thanksgiving? Where does this custom come from, what is the story and meaning? Let's get to know:

In 1620, a group of Puritans who advocated reform in Britain withdrew to teach abroad and became independent Protestants because their ideals and aspirations could not be realized. This aroused the hatred of the British rulers. Unable to bear the persecution and discrimination of the rulers, these Puritans fled to the Netherlands first. In early September, they sailed across the ocean to prepare for exile in the United States. After drifting in the rough sea for 65 days, the ship finally reached the east coast of the United States in November and landed at proveston port, Rhode Island.

At that time, it was a desolate virgin land, where turkeys and other wild animals could be seen everywhere. It was a cold winter. They came to a strange place. They were short of food and clothing. The bad environment was threatening their lives. At this critical moment of life and death, the local Indians brought them food, daily necessities and production tools, and helped them build their own new homes.

After settling down in their new home, in order to thank the Indians who helped and supported them in times of crisis, as well as God's' gift 'to them, these British made the captured Turkey into delicious food, entertained the Indians and had a party with them on the fourth Thursday of November, and the celebration lasted three days. Since then, such celebrations have been held on the fourth Thursday of November every year. In addition to entertaining Indians to eat roast turkey, they also hold sports competitions such as archery, running and wrestling together. At night, they also sing and dance around the campfire and share joy.

If we are not sure that Turkey once appeared at the first Thanksgiving feast, how has Turkey become the main 'mascot' of Thanksgiving today?

Why eat turkey for Thanksgiving?

There is a saying that Queen Elizabeth of England was eating roast goose at a harvest festival in the 16th century. Then came the news that Spain's invincible fleet sank on the way to attack her beloved Britain. The queen was so happy that she asked for another goose to celebrate the success. Therefore, geese have become the favorite birds of the British harvest season. When the pilgrims came to the United States from Britain, roast turkey became the main dish instead of roast goose, because Turkey in North America was more abundant and easier to find than goose.

Why eat turkey for Thanksgiving

Therefore, in addition to ham, sweet potatoes, vegetables, raisin pudding, fruit cakes and cocktails, there is certainly a 'brother' Turkey!

The most important meal of the year for Americans is the Thanksgiving dinner. In the United States, a fast-paced and competitive country, the daily diet is very simple. But on Thanksgiving night, every family has a feast, and the abundance of goods is amazing. On the holiday table, from the president to the common people, Turkey and pumpkin pie are necessary. Therefore, Thanksgiving is also called 'Turkey Day'.

Everyone agrees that roast turkey must be the main course of Thanksgiving dinner. Whether Europeans or Americans, there is only one way to eat turkey, that is, smoking and roasting. It requires the whole turkey to be roasted, the chicken skin to be dark brown, and many mixed foods, such as broken bread, to be stuffed with bread to absorb the delicious juice from it. The juice of roast turkey will be used to make thick meat sauce with sweet cranberry jam as Turkey seasoning.

What's the advantage of eating turkey for Thanksgiving?

Turkey is a specialty of America. It has the advantages of 'one high and two low' in nutritional value. First, high protein content, second, low fat, low cholesterol, and rich in iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin B. Compared with other meat products, turkey meat contains high protein content, but the calories and cholesterol are the least; The fat contained in turkey meat is unsaturated fatty acids, which will not lead to the increase of cholesterol in the blood; Secondly, the iron content of turkey breast is also quite high. Turkey meat is one of the best sources of iron for people who need to be nursed during physiological period, pregnancy and injury. Turkey meat is also rich in tryptophan and lysine, which can help the human body reduce stress, eliminate tension and restlessness.

Every Thanksgiving, people can take a fragrant nap, thanks to Turkey, which is considered to be the best source of tryptophan. But this is just a modern folklore. Tryptophan starts to work when your stomach is basically fasting rather than full and has considerable carbohydrates rather than a lot of protein. Put a thin slice or two of Turkey on some whole wheat bread late at night, and maybe you'll start your sleep journey in the kitchen.