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After the brutal times that marked the first winter the Pilgrims spent in the New World (1620-21) in which close to half of the original colonist died of starvation or disease, the Pilgrims ate a diet that was quite varied. Thanks to the help of two Native Americans that were sent by the local Sachem (loosely translated to chief, erroneously labeled as king by colonists) Squanto and Hobomok (Hobomok actually was of greater assistance but Squanto is the one history remembers better) the Pilgrims learned ways to survive in the New World.

The Native Americans taught them how to catch eels from the sea as well as the cod and bass that were numerous in the area. Wild game played an important part in the diet. Since this was a new country with a radically different climate that was much colder in the winter, many of the farming techniques that the Pilgrims had used back home would not work here. Squanto and Hobomok taught them to plant maize (corn) and other crops such as pumpkins squash. Probably more important was the fact that the Native Americans taught them how to fertilize the fields so they would have a larger crop thus have food during the next winter.

Because of the location next to the sea, many of the foods they ate came from the sea. As stated earlier there was eel and cod. The food that New England is famous for now would have been there then as well. Lobster, clams and other mollusks, as well as crab.

Of course at the time of the colony the land was still forested. The Pilgrims could collect berries, fruit, and various nuts. The forest was filled with animals that were used as food (as well as a source of animal skins for clothing). There were deer, beaver and several kinds of fowl. Wild turkeys, goose, ducks and swans were abundant.

The natives taught them which vegetable would grow in the area, as stated before pumpkin, squash and fruit. Since the colony was so far north, the growing season was short plus fresh meat was not always available. Once again the natives came to the rescue by teaching the Pilgrims the proper way to preserve and dry the fruits, vegetables and smoke the fish, fowl and meat.

Of course some years would have been good while others bad, but thanks to Squanto and Hobomok along with countless unnamed natives the Pilgrims did not starve. After the first starving winter, they had a diet that was varied and had a high nutritional value. Because of these things the colony did flourish and remain.

Learn more about this author, T. Scott Randolph.
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