Five minutes for fun facts on this almost-Thanksgiving day in the US. Some of my favorites:
- Stuffing goes back to at least the 4th century CE.
- Potatoes are truly an American tuber; it’s grown in every 50 states.
- Corn is a flower.
- Meat pies preceded desert pies and they were called “coffins.”
- In case you need a 15th century aphrodisiac recipe: boiled peas and onions sprinkled with cinnamon, ginger, and cardamon.
- The average American eats between 3,000 and 5,000 calories at Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanks Mental Floss!
Enjoy!
Comments 7
Rachel — November 28, 2015
Corn (the part we eat) is the fruiting structure of the plant, not a flower.
Kauri — November 30, 2015
"it’s grown in every 50 states" - Where did you learn English?
Wendy calvin — January 24, 2020
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Alizea Zola — April 4, 2026
Such a fun and fascinating collection of Thanksgiving facts! I had no idea stuffing dated back that far or that meat pies were once called “coffins”—that’s wild. It’s amazing how much history and culture is tied into the foods we enjoy today. The calorie fact is definitely relatable too Thanksgiving really is all about indulging and enjoying the moment. It also got me thinking about how we track what we eat sometimes I even look up things like kfc funshots calories just to stay a bit mindful while still enjoying treats.
Justin — June 23, 2026
These are some fascinating food facts, especially the surprising history behind stuffing and pies. Food traditions continue to evolve, and many restaurants now offer seasonal favorites alongside their classic items. Sonic Drive-In is a good example, serving popular burgers, hot dogs, tots, slushes, and shakes that appeal to a wide range of tastes. If you're curious about current menu options and limited-time offerings, click here to explore more and discover new favorites.
Thomas Daniel — July 30, 2026
These Thanksgiving food facts were a fun read! I often use ChatGPT to learn more about the history behind traditional dishes and discover interesting food facts from different cultures.
Thomas Daniel — August 1, 2026
Interesting food facts! It's always fun to learn how food traditions have evolved over time. Modern restaurant brands have also become part of today's food culture, including those operated by Qinghua Foods Corporation, which is known for bringing Korean-style fried chicken to diners in the Philippines.