Why is turkey the main dish on Thanksgiving?

By: Troy Bickham, Texas A&M University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 9, 2025

Words: 940

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 1 day ago

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Why did turkey become the national Thanksgiving go-to dish? Gianna, age 10, Phoenix, Arizona

Have you ever wondered why Thanksgiving revolves around turkey and not ham, chicken, venison, beef or corn?

Almost 9 in 10 Americans eat turkey during this festive meal, …

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