First Feast Forensics - Episode 3: Healing from the Storehouse: Medicinal Properties of Preserved Foods Welcome back to First Feast Forensics. In our previous episodes, we explored the foods of the first Thanksgiving and the crucial preservation techniques that helped early colonists survive. Today, we're delving into a fascinating aspect of food preservation that's often overlooked: how preserved foods and medicines intersected in both Native American and colonial traditions. The line between food and medicine was far less distinct in the 17th century than it is today. For both the Wampanoag and the English colonists, many preserved foods served dual purposes as both sustenance and healing agents. The process of preservation itself was often believed to enhance certain medicinal properties, a belief that modern science has sometimes validated. Let's begin with the crucial role of dried herbs. The Wampanoag had developed sophisticated techniques for drying medicinal plants that went far beyond simple dehydration. Different plants required different drying methods to maintain their medicinal properties. Some herbs were dried in darkness to preserve volatile compounds, while others needed specific amounts of sunlight to enhance their potency. Archaeological evidence from colonial sites shows dedicated drying spaces that would have been used for both culinary and medicinal herbs. The colonists brought their own herbal traditions from England, documented in books like Gerard's Herball, but they quickly discovered that many familiar European plants didn't grow well in New England. This forced them to learn about local medicinal plants from the Wampanoag. The preservation of these unfamiliar herbs required new techniques, leading to a fascinating fusion of European and Native American methods.
The timing of plant collection for medicinal use was crucial for both cultures. The Wampanoag had detailed knowledge of exactly when each plant should be harvested for maximum potency. Certain plants needed to be gathered before dawn, others at specific phases of the moon. The colonists initially dismissed some of these practices as superstition, but experience taught them the wisdom of this traditional timing. Take, for instance, the preservation of echinacea, a plant both cultures used for immune support. The Wampanoag knew that roots harvested in late fall contained the highest levels of medicinal compounds. Modern science has confirmed this, showing that the plant concentrates certain compounds in its roots before winter dormancy. The preservation method was equally specific - the roots needed to be dried quickly but not in direct sunlight, which could degrade their medicinal properties. Birch bark, rich in natural aspirin-like compounds, required different handling entirely. The Wampanoag taught the colonists that bark collected in spring had the strongest medicinal properties. It needed to be dried in a way that prevented the loss of volatile compounds while avoiding mold growth. They developed a method of rolling the bark into tight cylinders that could be stored for months while maintaining its pain-relieving properties. One of the most sophisticated preservation techniques involved the making of medicinal wines and tinctures. The colonists brought a strong tradition of herbal wines from England, but they had to adapt these recipes to New World plants. The Wampanoag, meanwhile, had their own methods of extracting and preserving medicinal compounds using various natural solvents. The combination of these traditions created new and effective medicines that would influence American pharmacology for generations. Winter health strategies relied heavily on properly preserved foods and medicines. Both cultures understood that certain preserved foods could help prevent winter ailments. The high vitamin C content in preserved rose hips and pine needles, for instance, helped prevent scurvy - though neither culture understood the specific nutrient involved. The Wampanoag taught the colonists how to preserve these vital plants in ways that maintained their effectiveness throughout the winter months. Fermented foods played a crucial role in winter health maintenance. While the colonists were familiar with fermentation through beer-making and pickling, the Wampanoag introduced them to different fermentation techniques that created highly nutritious preserved foods. What we now know as probiotics were created through the controlled fermentation of various plants and berries. Archaeological evidence shows specialized vessels used for these fermentation processes, with designs that maintained ideal conditions for beneficial bacterial growth. The preservation of mushrooms for medicinal use required particular expertise. The Wampanoag had extensive knowledge of both edible and medicinal mushrooms, and their preservation techniques were carefully designed to maintain specific properties. Some mushrooms were dried in strings, others preserved in ash or smoke. Each method was matched to the particular properties of the mushroom and its intended medicinal use. Colonial records show initial hesitation about these unfamiliar fungi, but gradually increasing acceptance of their medicinal value. Complex preparations often combined multiple preserved ingredients. One common winter medicine combined dried elderberries, preserved bee balm, and specific tree barks. Each ingredient required different preservation techniques, and the final mixture needed to be stored in particular ways to maintain its effectiveness. These combinations weren't random - they represented sophisticated understanding of how different medicines worked together. Common ailments each had their own arsenal of preserved remedies. For respiratory infections, both cultures relied heavily on preserved plants with antimicrobial properties. The Wampanoag taught the colonists about the preservation of wild cherry bark, which needed to be dried in a specific way to maintain its effectiveness as a cough remedy. They also shared knowledge about preserving mullein, a plant whose dried leaves could be burned or made into tea for breathing difficulties. Digestive issues were treated with an array of preserved medicines. Dried peppermint and other mints were crucial, but the preservation method mattered enormously. The leaves had to be dried quickly to prevent fermentation while retaining their volatile oils. The Wampanoag method of drying these plants in small, tied bundles allowed air circulation while preventing the loss of essential oils. Colonial records show they quickly adopted this technique, finding it superior to European methods. For wound care, both cultures maintained stores of preserved medicines. The Wampanoag had sophisticated methods for preserving yarrow, a plant with powerful antimicrobial properties. The entire plant - flowers, leaves, and stems - was dried and stored in tight bundles. They understood that exposure to light could degrade its medicinal properties, so these bundles were kept in specially designed dark storage containers, evidence of which has been found in archaeological sites. The treatment of pain often relied on preserved willow bark, nature's aspirin. The Wampanoag had discovered that willow bark collected in spring and preserved properly would maintain its pain-relieving properties for months. They developed a method of scraping the bark into thin strips that would dry quickly while retaining maximum potency. The colonists combined this knowledge with their own traditions of bark tinctures, creating new and effective pain remedies. Seasonal medicines required careful timing and preservation to be available year-round. Spring plants like dandelion and chickweed needed to be gathered and preserved at their peak potency. The Wampanoag had developed a complex understanding of how these plants' medicinal properties changed through their growth cycle. They taught the colonists that dandelion roots harvested and dried in early spring had different properties than those preserved in fall, and each had specific medicinal uses. Summer brought its own challenges for medicine preservation. Many flowering plants used medicinally needed to be dried quickly to prevent mold while retaining their color and potency. Both cultures developed sophisticated drying structures that protected plants from direct sunlight while allowing proper air circulation. Archaeological evidence shows specialized drying racks with adjustable coverings, allowing precise control of the drying environment. The preservation of berries for medicinal use was particularly complex. Different berries required different treatment - elderberries were often dried whole, while others were crushed and formed into cakes that could be reconstituted later. The Wampanoag knew that some berries became more potent as medicines when dried, while others needed to be used fresh or preserved through other methods. They developed specific tests to determine if preserved berries had maintained their medicinal properties. Fall brought crucial medicine-gathering activities. Both cultures understood that many plants concentrated their medicinal compounds in their roots before winter. This led to carefully timed harvesting expeditions, followed by specialized preservation techniques for different root types. Some roots were dried whole, others sliced thin or ground into powder. Each preparation method was matched to the specific properties of the plant and its intended medicinal use. The storage of medicinal preparations was as crucial as their initial preservation. Both cultures developed sophisticated containment systems that protected medicines from light, moisture, and pests. The Wampanoag created specialized containers from birch bark, which naturally contains compounds that prevent mold growth. They taught the colonists how different storage materials could affect the potency of medicines - knowledge that

First Feast Forensics - Episode 2: Preserving the Harvest: Colonial and Native American Food Storage Methods Welcome back to First Feast Forensics. In our last episode, we explored what was actually served at the first Thanksgiving celebration. Today, we're diving deep into how these foods were preserved by both the colonists and Wampanoag. The successful preservation of food was quite literally a matter of life and death in 17th century New England, and the techniques used tell us fascinating stories about both cultures. The winter of 1620-21 had been devastating for the Plymouth colonists, with nearly half their number perishing. By the time of the first Thanksgiving in autumn 1621, they had learned crucial preservation techniques from the Wampanoag that would help them survive future winters. These methods were far more sophisticated than many people realize, combining both European and Native American expertise. Let's start with smoking, perhaps the most crucial preservation technique used by both cultures. The Wampanoag had developed a complex understanding of different woods and their smoking properties over thousands of years. Hickory was preferred for meat smoking, while cedar and alder were used for fish. The smoke house structures themselves were carefully designed to maintain specific temperature and humidity levels. Archaeological evidence shows that colonial smoking structures gradually evolved to incorporate Native American design elements, creating more effective hybrid preservation systems. The colonists brought their own smoking traditions from England, but these had to be adapted to New World materials and conditions. European smoking techniques typically used cold smoking for bacon and ham, but the different climate and available wood types in New England required new approaches. The fusion of English and Wampanoag smoking methods created unique flavors that would influence American cuisine for generations. The practical differences between English and Wampanoag smoking techniques were substantial. English smokehouses were typically enclosed structures with the fire outside, connected by a flue. The Wampanoag often used more open structures, taking advantage of natural wind patterns and creating different temperature zones for various types of preservation. By the autumn of 1621, the Plymouth settlement had likely developed hybrid smoking structures that combined both approaches. Archaeological evidence from colonial sites reveals the remnants of these smoking structures. Post holes and charred earth patterns show where smokehouses stood, while soil analysis has revealed traces of the woods used. Hickory, oak, and apple wood were commonly employed, each imparting distinct flavors and preservation properties. The colonists quickly learned that different woods produced dramatically different results - something the Wampanoag had known for generations. Drying was another crucial preservation method, particularly for corn, the staple crop that would sustain both communities through winter. The Wampanoag technique for drying corn was remarkably efficient. Corn would be harvested at full maturity, then braided into long strands called corn masses. These would be hung in specialized drying structures that protected the grain from rain while allowing air circulation. The colonists adopted this technique almost immediately, recognizing its superiority to European grain storage methods. Fish drying was perhaps the most sophisticated preservation process used by both cultures. The Wampanoag had perfected a technique of split-drying fish that removed most moisture while preserving nutrients. Fish would be split, cleaned, and dried on specially constructed wooden racks. The height of these racks, their angle to prevailing winds, and even the spacing between fish were all carefully calculated to achieve optimal drying conditions. The colonists combined these native drying techniques with their own salting methods, creating what would become a signature New England product: salt cod. The preservation of cod became so important to the colony's economy that it would eventually become one of their primary trade goods. The technique involved laying split cod in salt for several days before drying, a process that created a product that could last for months or even years. Root cellars represented another fascinating merger of European and Native American technologies. The Wampanoag had long practiced underground storage, particularly for crops like squash and roots. They created sophisticated storage pits lined with bark and dried grass, which could maintain relatively stable temperatures throughout winter. Archaeological excavations have revealed these pits throughout the New England region, many still containing traces of their original contents. The English colonists combined these native storage techniques with their own tradition of root cellars, creating hybrid storage systems that worked better in the New England climate than either approach alone. They learned from the Wampanoag that certain crops, like squash and pumpkins, would last longer if cured in the sun before storage. This curing process hardened the outer skin and improved storage life significantly. One of the most sophisticated preservation techniques was the making of pemmican, a concentrated food developed by Native Americans. The Wampanoag taught the colonists how to prepare this high-energy food, which combined dried meat, rendered fat, and dried berries. The meat would be dried completely and pounded into a powder, then mixed with melted fat and dried fruits. Properly prepared pemmican could last for years and provided crucial protein and calories during winter months. The preservation of fruits and berries presented unique challenges. Without sugar for traditional European preserving methods, the colonists had to adopt Native American techniques. Berries would be dried on bark sheets in the sun, while larger fruits like plums and beach plums would be dried whole or in strips. The Wampanoag also taught the settlers how to create fruit leather by pounding dried fruits into sheets that could be stored for months. The seasonal timing of preservation activities was crucial to success. In Plymouth colony, the preservation cycle began in early spring with the smoking of winter-caught fish. By late spring, the first greens and berries needed to be dried or processed. Summer brought an intensive period of fish drying and smoking, while autumn was perhaps the busiest season for food preservation. The timing had to be precise - too early, and food might spoil from humidity; too late, and frost could damage the harvest. The Wampanoag calendar was intricately tied to these preservation activities. Their language had specific terms for different preservation periods - words that described not just the time of year but the exact conditions needed for different preservation techniques. They understood, for example, that meat dried during the waning moon would be less likely to attract insects, a piece of knowledge they shared with the colonists. The tools used for preservation tell their own fascinating story. Archaeological excavations have uncovered specialized cutting tools designed specifically for food preservation work. The Wampanoag used stone scrapers with different edge angles for different preservation tasks - one angle for scraping hides, another for preparing meat for smoking. The colonists brought metal tools, but often found native designs more effective for certain tasks. Salt played a complex role in preservation methods. While the colonists craved salt for their familiar preservation techniques, they struggled to produce it in sufficient quantities. The Wampanoag had sophisticated methods for preserving food without salt, using smoke, air-drying, and freeze-drying during winter months. This led to an interesting fusion of techniques - the colonists began using less salt and incorporating more indigenous preservation methods. The actual work of preservation was incredibly labor-intensive. Smoking required constant attention to maintain proper temperature and smoke levels. Drying racks needed regular turning and protection from sudden rain. Everything had to be checked regularly for signs of spoilage or pest infestation. Both cultures had developed early warning systems for detecting food that was beginning to spoil, using sight, smell, and even sound to identify problems early. Storage structures themselves represented significant investments of community resources. The Wampanoag built sophisticated above-ground storage facilities called napâumis, raised on posts to protect food from moisture and rodents. These structures featured removable sides that could be adjusted for ventilation depending on weather conditions. Archaeological evidence shows that colonial storage structures gradually incorporated these design elements, creating more effective hybrid buildings. The organization of preservation work tells us much about both societies. In Wampanoag culture, food preservation was often a communal activity, with specific roles assigned based on age and experience. Younger members would gather materials and maintain fires, while more experienced workers handled the crucial timing decisions. The colonists, coming from a more individualistic culture, had to adapt to this communal approach when they realized its efficiency. Knowledge transfer between generations was crucial for both cultures. The Wampanoag had sophisticated systems for teaching preservation techniques, with children beginning to learn through observation and small tasks from an early age. Colonial records show they quickly adopted this apprenticeship-style system for teaching preservation skills, recognizing that written instructions couldn't capture the subtleties of proper preservation techniques. Disease prevention was understood by both cultures, though in different

First Feast Forensics - Episode 1: The Reality Behind the First Thanksgiving Menu Welcome to First Feast Forensics. Today we're peeling back the layers of history to uncover what was actually served at the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621. Most of what we think we know about this famous feast comes from just two primary sources - a letter by Edward Winslow and a passage in William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation. These sparse historical records paint a very different picture from our modern celebrations, and over the next thirty minutes, we'll explore exactly what that three-day feast would have looked like, from the ecological context to the cooking methods used. To understand the first Thanksgiving meal, we need to first understand Plymouth in 1621. The settlement sat in a region previously occupied by the Patuxet people, who had been devastated by disease just a few years before. The landscape was a mix of cleared fields, forest, and coastal areas. This diverse environment provided a wealth of food sources that would have been utilized during the celebration. According to Winslow's firsthand account written in December 1621, four settlers went on a "fowling" mission in preparation for the feast. Let's explore what this actually meant. The term "fowling" refers to hunting wild birds, but the techniques used were far different from modern hunting. The settlers would have used matchlock muskets, which were notoriously unreliable in New England's damp climate. They also employed techniques learned from the Wampanoag, such as net trapping and using calls to lure birds. The waters around Plymouth were rich with waterfowl - ducks, geese, and even now-extinct passenger pigeons would have been abundant. These passenger pigeons, which would later be hunted to extinction by the late 1800s, were described by colonists as so numerous that they would darken the sky for hours when migrating. They were prized for their meat and were likely a significant part of the feast. If turkey was served, it would have been wild, not domesticated, and significantly different from our modern birds. Wild turkeys of the period were smaller, leaner, and more agile than their domestic counterparts. They were also more challenging to hunt, requiring knowledge of their habits and habitat. The Wampanoag had developed sophisticated hunting techniques for these birds, including the use of calls and decoys made from preserved turkey parts. The documented centerpiece of this historic meal was venison. Winslow records that the Wampanoag, led by Massasoit, arrived with five deer as their contribution to the feast. This wasn't just food - it was a profound diplomatic gesture. In both English and Wampanoag cultures, the sharing of venison carried deep significance. In English tradition, venison was often reserved for the nobility, while in Wampanoag culture, the sharing of deer meat represented respect and alliance. The hunting of these deer would have employed techniques refined over thousands of years. The Wampanoag used sophisticated driving techniques, where groups of hunters would coordinate to guide deer toward waiting hunters. They also used specialized weapons including bows and arrows with stone points specifically designed for large game. Archaeological evidence from the period shows these points were crafted with remarkable precision. The coastal location of Plymouth meant seafood played a crucial role in the celebration, though this part of the story is often overlooked in modern retellings. The colonists and Wampanoag regularly harvested shellfish from the nearby waters. Archaeological evidence from colonial middens (trash heaps) shows abundant shells from soft-shell clams, mussels, and oysters. These shellfish were not just gathered haphazardly - both cultures had developed sophisticated understanding of tidal patterns and seasonal availability. The collection of shellfish was often the work of women and children in both cultures. They used specialized tools including rakes and baskets designed specifically for this purpose. The timing of collection was crucial - both cultures understood the relationship between moon phases, tides, and shellfish safety. They also knew which areas produced the best specimens and how to ensure sustainable harvesting. Lobsters, which we now consider a luxury, were incredibly abundant. Historical records suggest they would wash up on shore in piles up to two feet high during storms. They were so plentiful that they were sometimes used as fish bait or fertilizer. The method of preparing lobster was different too - they were often dried and smoked rather than boiled fresh. Fish like cod and bass were dietary staples, caught using both English and Native American methods. The Wampanoag had developed sophisticated fish weirs - permanent underwater traps made from wooden stakes and woven reeds. These structures would trap fish during tidal changes while allowing smaller fish to escape, ensuring sustainable harvesting. The English brought their own fishing techniques, including hook and line fishing with metal hooks. Eels, now rarely seen on American tables, were particularly prized by both cultures. They were caught using specialized traps placed in tidal pools and streams. The Wampanoag had developed eel pots - woven baskets designed to trap eels while allowing water to flow through. These were so effective that the design was quickly adopted by the English settlers. What's particularly fascinating about the first Thanksgiving is not just what was present, but what was absent. Modern archaeological techniques, combined with careful study of colonial records, have given us a clear picture of what couldn't have been on the menu. Potatoes, both white and sweet, were still unknown in the region. White potatoes, originally from South America, were still viewed with suspicion by many Europeans. Sweet potatoes, despite being established in Spanish colonies, hadn't yet made their way to New England. The absence of sugar shaped the feast significantly. While cranberries were abundant in the region, and the Wampanoag used them for food and medicine, the sauce we know today would have been impossible without sugar. The Wampanoag traditionally used cranberries both fresh and dried, often combining them with dried meat to make pemmican - a concentrated survival food that could last for months. The pumpkin and squash preparations would have been completely different from our modern dishes. While these vegetables were available - the settlers called all squash "pompions" - they weren't made into pies. Without wheat flour, refined sugar, or proper ovens, pie-making was impossible. Instead, these gourds were probably prepared using a method described in period documents: the squash would be cut into strips, stewed until tender, and then served with butter and spices, or dried for winter storage. The grain situation at the first Thanksgiving reflects a fascinating cultural exchange. Corn was central to the feast, but this wasn't the sweet corn we enjoy today. The varieties grown were primarily flint corn, with hard kernels that could be dried and ground into meal. The Wampanoag had developed sophisticated cultivation techniques, including the famous Three Sisters method of planting corn, beans, and squash together. This agricultural system was more than just efficient farming - it was a sophisticated understanding of plant relationships that provided complete nutrition. The settlers had attempted to grow English grains, but with limited success. Barley and peas grew adequately, but wheat largely failed in New England's climate and soil. The colonists had to adapt their traditional recipes to use corn meal instead of wheat flour. This led to hybrid dishes - English cooking techniques applied to Native American ingredients. They would have made what they called "samp" - corn pounded into a coarse meal and boiled, often with pieces of meat or fish added. The wild edibles available in the area played a crucial role in the feast. The forest provided chestnuts, walnuts, and beechnuts, all of which would have been gathered in large quantities. Ground nuts (Apios americana), which grow wild in the region, were another important food source. These small tubers are high in protein and were often dried and ground into flour. The Wampanoag taught the settlers how to identify and prepare these wild foods, knowledge that proved crucial for survival. Fruits available would have included wild grapes, elderberries, gooseberries, and several varieties of plums. While most of these would have been past their fresh season by November, dried fruits would have been available. The drying process was sophisticated - both cultures had developed techniques to preserve fruits while maintaining their nutritive value. The preparation methods used during the feast were necessarily different from our modern techniques. Without a proper kitchen or European cooking equipment, most food would have been spit-roasted or boiled in pots. The Wampanoag brought a rich tradition of cooking techniques, including stone boiling, where heated rocks were added to wooden or hide containers to cook soups and stews. Smoking and drying were essential preservation methods that would have been actively used during the feast. Both cultures had developed sophisticated smoking techniques, though they differed in their approaches. The Wampanoag typically used cold smoking for preservation, while the English were more familiar with hot smoking. The combination of these techniques would have created unique flavors that we can only imagine today. The settlers had brought some cooking equipment from England - iron pots, spits, and possibly a few portable ovens. However, most cooking would have been done over open fires. The Wampanoag contributed their knowledge of building and maintaining different types of fires for different cooking purposes - hot fires for roasting, coals fo