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Christmas dinner is a cherished tradition, steeped in centuries of history and influenced by different cultures.

 

But how did we arrive at today’s festive feast? The story begins long before the holiday itself.

 

From Pagan Feasts to Saturnalia

 

In ancient Britain, the midwinter feast was a significant celebration, honoring the solstice with hearty meals of pork and beef. Archaeological findings reveal that pork was often roasted over spits, while beef found its way into rich winter stews.

 

When the Romans arrived, they introduced Saturnalia, a December festival honoring Saturn, the god of sowing. This celebration brought with it its own flavors and festive customs, blending with local traditions.

 

Goose, Peacock, and the Victorian Turkey

 

For centuries, the goose reigned as the bird of choice for Christmas meals in the UK. Economically practical, geese were fattened for the season since they laid eggs only seasonally.

 

Wealthier households might enjoy exotic offerings like wild boar or even peacock. But the association of turkey with Christmas dates back to the 16th century, when King Henry VIII reportedly became the first British monarch to dine on turkey during Christmas.

 

However, it wasn’t until the Victorian era that turkey became the star of the Christmas table. Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol popularized the idea of a grand roast bird as the centerpiece of a holiday meal, accompanied by an array of sides and a rich pudding for dessert.

 

The American Connection

 

While turkey became the holiday favorite in Britain, its history traces back to North America, where wild turkeys are native. Today’s domesticated turkey, a holiday staple in both the USA and UK, symbolizes the transatlantic connection in holiday traditions. Complementary items like cranberry sauce also originated in North America, further enriching the Christmas meal’s global heritage.

 

A Modern Twist on Tradition

 

In the UK, about 10 million turkeys grace tables every Christmas. They’re often served with roast potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, stuffing, and gravy. Occasionally, Yorkshire puddings make an appearance too.

 

But as times change, so do traditions. While turkey remains a centerpiece, alternative meats like beef, lamb, and pork are growing in popularity as families seek variety and value.

 

From its ancient roots to today’s diverse holiday tables, the Christmas feast continues to evolve, blending history and modern tastes into a delicious celebration of the season.

 

What’s your holiday favorite? Whether it’s turkey, ham, beef or lamb, every Christmas dinner is a story worth savoring.

Wishing you a happy holiday season, from all of us at AHDB!

November brings Thanksgiving, a cherished holiday in the USA, where family and friends gather to share gratitude, stories, and, of course, food.

 

But the Thanksgiving feast would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our farmers. They are the backbone of the food industry, responsible for raising the crops and livestock that make up our holiday tables.

 

Farmers work tirelessly to provide us with a steady food supply, often facing tough challenges with resilience.

 

Beyond growing crops and raising livestock, they are stewards of the land, constantly innovating to implement sustainable farming practices that protect our natural resources.

 

Many farmers actively work to:

• reduce water usage

• limit harmful chemicals

• preserve the health of our soil to ensure future generations can also enjoy nature’s bounty

Thanksgiving reminds us of this deep connection between farmer and land, and between land and family – a bond that has shaped societies for centuries.

 

The turkey, beef, pork, lamb, cranberries, pumpkins, and corn on our tables are not just ingredients – they are symbols of the enduring relationship between people and the land. These foods represent the hard work of countless farmers who provide for us year-round.

 

So, as we enjoy our Thanksgiving meal this year, let’s take a moment to honor and appreciate the dedication of our farmers. They make our celebrations possible, and for that, we offer our thanks.

 

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at AHDB to everyone celebrating and enjoying the Thanksgiving holidays together. And a special thanks to the farmers who make sure our tables are places of celebration again this year!

While Halloween is often associated with candy and costumes, its roots are deeply tied to farming, particularly the tradition of eating meat during the harvest season. 

 

Historically, Halloween was a time for communities to celebrate the end of the harvest, and livestock played an essential role in the festivities, particularly in the form of hearty meals.

 

Halloween’s Agricultural Origins

 

Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. 

 

During this time, farmers prepared for the colder months by slaughtering animals that couldn’t be kept over the winter. This meat was then preserved through smoking or curing, and it became central to the large feasts that accompanied the celebrations.

 

A Time for Meat Feasts

 

During Halloween, families would gather to enjoy the season’s bounty, which often included roasted meats. This was a time to celebrate the successful harvest and ensure that food stores, including meat, were sufficient to get through the winter. 

 

But the communal sharing of meat wasn’t just practical – it was a tradition that symbolized abundance and the closing of the agricultural year.

 

Modern Halloween Traditions

 

While today’s Halloween celebrations focus more on sweets than savory dishes, meat still plays a role in seasonal feasts. From hearty stews made with beef or lamb to roasted pork, meat is often featured in autumnal dishes that align with Halloween’s historical roots. 

 

Barbecues and grilling are also becoming popular for Halloween gatherings, as families celebrate with themed meals that highlight local and seasonal meat products.

 

This Halloween, while trick-or-treaters may focus on candy, many households still honor the holiday’s agricultural origins by including meat in their celebrations, connecting us to the harvest traditions of the past.

 

If you’re looking for quality pasture-fed meat for your customers, we can help. Contact us and we’ll connect you with the right UK supplier for your needs.