Pilgrim Snacks

Eat snacks like the Pilgrims did for one month? This is exactly what my Granddaughter's second grade class is doing right now. Her teacher is asking that every student bring in a Pilgrim-like snack for one month. The lesson is to help the students appreciate the living conditions on the boat ride over to the Americas. The diet was very repetitive and the rations were small.
 
This got us to thinking. What did the Pilgrims really eat and can our clients learn from it? It also begs the question: would it be a good challenge for all of us to adhere to these foodstuffs during Thanksgiving month?

As you can see below, aside from the fact that the foodstuffs had no preservatives (except salt), they are in desperate need of a 21st century update!

• Biscuits (hard tack) - our alternative: Blue Diamond Nut Thins, Mary's Gone Crackers, or Flatbread
• Holland cheese - our alternative: imported Dutch Gouda
• Salted pork - our alternative: Shelton's or MSG-Free Turkey Stick Brand
• Dried beef - our alternative: Golden Valley Organic Beef Jerky or MSG-Free Brand
• Salted fish - our alternative: SnackMasters Salmon Jerky or MSG-Free Brand
• Oatmeal - long cooking variety
• Wheatmeal - our alternative: Cream of Wheat or Wasa crackers
• Beans/Peas - organic canned beans, hummus, Trader Joes dried peas
• Butter - organic
• Aqua-vitae (a strong liquor made from distilling beer or wine) - our alternative: for kids, Unsweetened Tea; for adults, Schnapp's or Chambord
• Beer (the primary drink for everyone, water was often considered unsafe) - our alternative: for kids, Filtered Flat or Naturally Sparkling Water; for adults, non-alcoholic rice beer

The glaring omission is fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which did not keep on long ship voyages or were too expensive. We would highly suggest making these part of your Pilgrim Snacks.

As long as you keep the snack balanced (always a healthy fat/protein with a carb) and the serving size small, enjoy Pilgrim Snacks!