Thanksgiving is synonymous with indulgence, family, and most importantly, food. From turkey to sweet potatoes, some dishes are essential to every Thanksgiving table. But have you ever wondered which states play a key role in bringing those festive favorites to your plate?
Here’s a look at some of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes and the states that excel in producing the ingredients that make them possible:
1. Turkey — Minnesota
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey. The United States is one of the largest turkey producers in the world, and Minnesota is the undisputed champion when it comes to turkey farming. The state produces nearly 40 million turkeys annually, more than any other state in the country.
Minnesota’s climate, with its cold winters and rich farmland, provides ideal conditions for turkey farming. The state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture also means that much of the turkey you find on your table comes from farms using eco-friendly practices. In addition to Minnesota, the leading producers of turkeys are North Carolina and Arkansas.
2. Sweet potatoes — North Carolina
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a serving of sweet potato casserole or roasted sweet potatoes. When it comes to producing these vibrant root vegetables, North Carolina stands out. The state is responsible for about 60 percent of the country’s sweet potato production, far ahead of other states like California and Mississippi.
North Carolina’s sandy soil and temperate climate provide perfect growing conditions for sweet potatoes. The state’s farmers are known for their innovative techniques, which include the use of technology, exceptional varieties, and advanced crop rotations to maintain and improve soil health.
3. Cranberry sauce — Wisconsin
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple, offering a tart complement to the savory flavors of turkey and stuffing. Wisconsin leads the nation in cranberry production, growing more than half of the country’s supply. The state’s cranberry bogs are a unique feature of its agricultural landscape, with Wisconsin’s cool climate and abundant water supply creating ideal conditions for the fruit.
Cranberries are harvested in the fall, just in time for Thanksgiving, and Wisconsin’s cranberry industry has become a point of pride for the state. Massachusetts is another major player in the cranberry market, but Wisconsin has consistently been the top producer for over 20 years.
4. Green bean casserole — Florida
Green bean casserole is a beloved side dish that pairs well with nearly every item on the Thanksgiving menu. Florida, known for its diverse agricultural output, is one of the top producers of fresh green beans in the United States. Florida’s warm climate and extended growing season allow for multiple harvests of green beans each year, ensuring a steady supply for holiday meals.
While green beans can be grown in various states, Florida’s production peaks in November, right around Thanksgiving, making it a key supplier for this holiday favorite.
5. Mashed potatoes — Idaho
If there’s one state synonymous with potatoes, it’s Idaho. The state produces nearly a third of all potatoes grown in the United States, making it the go-to region for this beloved Thanksgiving dish. Idaho’s volcanic soil and climate, with warm days and cool nights, provide perfect conditions for growing high-quality potatoes.
Whether you prefer your mashed potatoes loaded with butter, cream, and garlic or served with gravy, Idaho is likely the source of the fluffy, starchy goodness on your plate. Other states, such as Washington and North Dakota, also contribute significantly to the nation’s potato supply, but Idaho remains the gold standard.
6. Pumpkin pie — Illinois
Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, and most of the pumpkins used in canned pumpkin puree come from Illinois. The state grows more pumpkins than any other, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the country’s supply, much of which is processed into canned pumpkin for pies.
The fertile soil in Illinois, combined with a long growing season, makes it an ideal location for pumpkin farming. In fact, most of the canned pumpkin you find on supermarket shelves comes from a small area surrounding Morton, Illinois, which has earned the title of “Pumpkin Capital of the World.”
7. Stuffing — Kansas (Wheat)
Stuffing is a versatile side dish that can be made from various ingredients, but the most common version involves bread, which comes from wheat. Kansas is known as the “Wheat State,” and it consistently ranks as one of the top wheat-producing states in the U.S. The state’s expansive plains and favorable growing conditions make it a powerhouse in wheat production, contributing significantly to the bread and stuffing that fill our plates on Thanksgiving.
Kansas’ farmers harvest wheat in the summer, but thanks to modern storage techniques, the grain is available year-round, ensuring that bakers across the country can create the bread needed for Thanksgiving stuffing.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance, and behind every dish are the farmers and agricultural states that make it possible. From Minnesota’s turkeys to Illinois’ pumpkins, these states ensure that your table is filled with the flavors that define the holiday.
So, as you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal this year, take a moment to appreciate the farms and farmers who work tirelessly to bring those iconic dishes to your plate. Whether it’s the golden crust of your pumpkin pie or the tender turkey at the center of your table, each bite represents a piece of our nation’s rich agricultural heritage.
Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe, is a farmer, public speaker, and writer who has worked for years with row crops, beef cattle, and sheep. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
