What Was the Cherokees Diet

In addition to corn, the Cherokee grew beans, squash, sunflowers, pumpkins, and other crops. Cherokee women were the primary farmers. “The Three Sisters” were staples in the Cherokee diet–corn, beans and squash.

What was the Cherokees diet like?

The Cherokee were prolific farmers and grew corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, sunflowers, and tobacco. They grew three different kinds of corn, one for roasting, one for boiling, and one for grinding into flour. They also gathered crabapples, berries, nuts, and other fruits.

What type of food did the Cherokee eat on the trail?

Cherokee women harvested crops of corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers. They also gathered berries, nuts and fruit to eat. Cherokee men hunted deer, wild turkeys, and small game and fished in the rivers. Cherokee foods included cornbread, soups, and stews cooked on stone hearths.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest