First Thanksgiving likely rich in vegetables

Certainly the most important is corn, which was served at the first Thanksgiving. It is a tasty treat, and it also grows well in our climate with irrigation. It is hard to imagine a more versatile crop — corn is used in everything from soft drinks to biodiesel fuel.

Pumpkin and squash likely made it to the first Thanksgiving feast. Contrary to popular opinion, they were not baked into pies as we do now; they likely had the seeds removed and were filled with other vegetables and/or meats in a kind of stew, or they were filled with a custard to create a type of pudding. Either dish was baked in a fire.

To enjoy sweet potatoes, you would travel south. They are native to South America but spread to the Caribbean and other areas. While you might buy cans or fresh sweet potatoes labeled as "yams," don't be confused. They are all sweet potatoes. The ornamental sweet potatoes grow well here as summer annuals, but our growing season is too short for good tuber production.

Likewise, two other important crops were likely still far to the south in 1621. Potatoes are only distantly related to sweet potatoes, although interestingly enough they became known as Irish potatoes. They came from South America and were later imported to Ireland. Fortunately we can grow these tasty treats in Utah.

Tomatoes are close relatives of potatoes and originated in the same area of the world. Even had they made their way to Massachusetts, they would likely have been considered decorations, because Western Europeans considered them poisonous until the 1800s. They are the most popular garden vegetable in Utah.

I certainly don't know how the Italians made pizza without tomatoes or peppers but they had neither until after European explorers brought them back to the Old World. Add these together and you can enjoy what has become America's most popular condiment, salsa. While it might not find its place alongside the turkey, it will likely show up as you watch a favorite game or movie during the holidays.

As a fellow gardener, I am thankful that our Thanksgiving feasts in our great country will continue and we might be thankful for the rich abundance we enjoy here. Happy Thanksgiving!

Garden tips and events

Enjoy free admission to Red Butte Garden on Dec. 6, thanks to the Zoo, Arts and Parks tax. Also enjoy the Holiday Open House and Art Fair Dec. 6 and 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 581-4747 or log on to www.redbuttegarden.org.

Red Butte is also hosting four Holiday Wreath Workshops, Dec. 6 and 7, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Materials will be furnished but bring unusual greens or your favorite ornaments, as well as gloves, scissors, hand pruners and a basket. Cost is $50 for members, $60 for nonmembers. Registration is required 581-8454 or log on to www.redbuttegarden.org.

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Larry A. Sagers is a horticulture specialist for the Utah State University Extension Service at Thanksgiving Point.