Thursday, November 21, 2013

Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving is just one week away.  Here are some interesting stats on that great day and the food I am sure most of you will consume.


  • Almost three quarters of Americans serve store bought cranberry sauce rather than homemade at Thanksgiving.
  • About 200 cranberries are used to produce each can of jellied cranberry sauce.
  • Instant mashed potatoes are used by food stylists as fake ice cream.
  • Mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, popcorn, milk, corn on the cob, and cranberries were not foods present on the first Thanksgiving's feast table.
  • The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.
  • In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving celebrations.
  • The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.
  • The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.
  • Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.
  • The average American will consume more than 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day alone, according to the Caloric Control Council. Surprisingly, most of these calories come from the all-day snacking in front of the TV while watching parades and sporting events.
  • Americans consume over 675 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving Day