Just in time for Turkey Day, here are some fun facts about America’s favorite Thanksgiving foods, plus recipes with new twists on classic dishes.

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving feast, here are five fun facts about the foods we traditionally feast upon, plus recipe links that will have you thinking about classic dishes in a whole new way.

 

Q: How much turkey does one person eat in a year?

A: According to the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, the average consumer eats 17 pounds of turkey every year. This is up 104% since 1970.

Turkeys are a big part of the food economy in Michigan. Each year, our state produces 5.3 million birds, and 70% are raised in Ottawa County. These birds become everything from breakfast sausage to the star of holiday meals.

Get yummy recipes from the National Turkey Federation, including Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Herbs and Turkey Sliders.

 

Q: How do you know if a fresh cranberry is ripe?

A: It will bounce when dropped!

These ruby berries are also chock full of the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Many people know this tart berry from its appearance as a side dish on Thanksgiving, but there’s so much more you can do with this nutrient-rich food. Check out these video recipes for fresh cranberries, including Cranberry Cilantro Salsa from US Cranberries.

 

Q: Is a sweet potato the same as a yam?

A: Nope! Sweet potatoes are botanically unrelated to yams.

The reports that the confusion between the two started back in the 1930s. Growers in Louisiana wanted to call attention to the distinctiveness of their orange-fleshed varieties compared to yellow-fleshed ones from other states. They chose a derivative of the African word “nyami”—yam to market their crop. Actual yams are rarely, if ever, found in the U.S.

Sweet potatoes are another nutrient-rich food. They provide vitamin B6, vitamin A, carotene, potassium and over 70 more nutrients. These versatile veggies can be made into everything from breakfast smoothies and Greek style hash to holiday favorites like dressing with fig and pancetta, and cheesecake with gingered whipped cream.  Get more recipes here.

 

Q: Is it stuffing or dressing?

A: For the answer to this one, we turned to Southern Living. They say the difference comes down to where you live rather than cooking techniques. If you’re from a southern state, you’re more likely to call this tasty dish dressing. Northerners tend to call it stuffing.

No matter what you call it, Southern Living has 22 recipes for dressing and stuffing. One is sure to please your friends and family.

 

Q: What’s the best apple for making pie?

A: A firm, tart apple is the best choice for pie.

According to the Michigan Apple Committee, these varieties are good for baking: Braeburn, Cortland, Gala, Golden Delicious, Ida Red, McIntosh, Northern Spy and Rome.

Apple pie preferences vary from family to family and one of the best places to explore recipes is Allrecipes.com. With pictures posted by home cooks and comments on most recipes, you’re certain to find an apple pie your crew will like. You’ll also see user reviews and tips for customizing recipes. For example, Grandma’s Iron Skillet Apple Pie received an exceptionally high 5-star rating and has been reviewed by 370 people—we can’t wait to try it!

 

Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for being part of the Consumers family!

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