It is reported that the earliest English settlers survived on the humble groundnut tuber.  Groundnuts, which are like small potatoes, can be harvested during the winter.  They are reported to taste very good, and may serve nicely as a mashed potato alternative.

Groundnuts cannot be commercially grown due to their tendency to overtake the landscape, so if you want to try this historical food you will need to grow your own groundnuts in containers.

You can buy starter groundnut tubers (easier than groundnut seed) online through Warrens Wild Things at: http://www.maryrowlandson.com/warrensgroundnutstore.html#P2

Warning About Groundnut Cultivation:  Please be responsible and do NOT let your groundnuts gain a foothold outside of your containers.  For safety, please keep your containers on cement, not dirt, where roots can grow out the drainage holes of your pots.

This information is take from The American Patriot’s Treasury of Historical Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Second Edition.

Tags: groundnut plant, the groundnut, groundnut seed, groundnut seeds, groundnut cultivation, thanksgiving side ideas, dinner ideas for thanksgiving

My young groundnut plant, spring 2008.

My young groundnut plant, spring 2008

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Posted September 3, 2009 by Admin under Food

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