Whose on Your Thanksgiving Table?

What You Need To Know

• Weather affects many Thanksgiving Day favorites
• Turkeys have a higher survival rate in warmer climates
• Light winds and plenty of sunshine help grow the perfect grapes for wine
• Farmers must watch apples throughout the entire season to get the best apple

The centerpiece of your table, the turkey, heavily depends on the weather in which it is raised. The survival rate of turkeys is not as great in colder weather as it is in warmer weather.

According to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), 55-60% of turkeys survive bitter cold and snow. Although that is much less than the 70-100% survival rate in warmer climates, it remains enough to feed us all on Thanksgiving while maintaining a healthy and safe population.

The Weather’s Impact on Our Favorite Foods

Leading up to fall, the weather affects apples immensely. In the spring, it is important that the apple farmers monitor temperature, humidity and any precipitation, as the bugs and parasites that can ruin crops depend on those conditions.

In the summer, if the temperature gets too hot and not enough rain falls, apple crops could be ruined. In the fall, cooler overnight temperatures help apples get their red color and help them ripen up. This, of course, allows for the perfect apple pie.

The Perfect Grapes for Wine

A lot of sunshine helps create an better grape and, hence, wine flavor. Light winds help to keep fungus off of grapes and help them dry out. Frost and freeze is generally bad for grapes and wine production. However, ice wine can be created from the frozen fruit.

Cranberries and the Weather

Last, cranberries rely on temperature. In fact, they are typically grown in the southern part of our country as the temperature there stays warmer. Lots of sunshine helps keep the fruit sweet, and that means the best-tasting cranberry sauce.

Conclusion

Our food is heavily influenced by the weather, and it’s fascinating to think about how the conditions in which our favorite dishes are produced can affect their taste and quality. Whether it’s the perfect turkey, the ideal apple, the best grape, or the sweetest cranberry, the weather plays a crucial role in bringing us the delicious meals we love.

FAQs

1. Q: How does weather affect turkey survival rate? A: Turkeys have a higher survival rate in warmer climates, with 70-100% survival rate compared to 55-60% in colder climates.
2. Q: How does weather impact apple production? A: Weather affects apple production in the spring, summer, and fall, with factors such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation impacting the growth and ripening of apples.
3. Q: What role does weather play in grape production? A: Weather, particularly sunshine and light winds, helps create the perfect grape and, hence, wine flavor, while frost and freeze can be detrimental to grape production.
4. Q: How does weather affect cranberry production? A: Cranberries rely on temperature, with lots of sunshine helping to keep the fruit sweet and the best-tasting cranberry sauce.