The U.S. produces 70% of the world’s peppermint and spearmint, with Indiana being the third highest producer in the U.S.

By Jeff Burbrink
Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educator, Purdue Extension LaGrange County

LAGRANGE — The Christmas holiday is, of course, based upon the birth of Jesus, and celebrated by Christians around the world. But the traditions that accompany Christmas celebrations are often filled with agriculture or natural resources connected links.

Jeff Burbrink

For instance, the somewhat fuzzy history of Christmas trees is tied to Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer, who was said to have enjoyed the twinkling of frost on evergreens. He brought them inside his home, and wired on some candles to recreate the effect. I am sure modern fire marshals would discourage this behavior.

Then there is mistletoe. A parasitic plant, with berries that are poisonous to humans, it’s a bit amusing to me that hanging a cutting of mistletoe over a door or archway is said to protect the inhabitants of a home. Still, you have to think that many a romance was kindled by a swift peck on the cheek by an overly excited young man or woman.

How about candy canes?? The first candy canes were pretty much sugar sticks, until the 1840s, when an Ohio candy maker added the curve to hang them on a tree. Peppermint and stripes were added as a flavoring sometime in the 1900s. The U.S. produces 70% of the world’s peppermint and spearmint, with Indiana being the third highest producer in the U.S.

Eggnog is another Christmas tradition. This is one of those things you either love or hate. Indiana is third in the production of eggs in the U.S., and by the looks of things locally, northern Indiana is trying to become number one in that category. Of course, there are a lot of people who cannot imagine the idea of drinking eggs, so they spice things up with a little bourbon. Kentucky makes 95% of the world’s bourbon, and much of the corn to make that comes from Indiana farms.

Gingerbread, a popular holiday item, is made from wheat. That particular variety of wheat is raised mostly from Kansas to southern Canada. The spices like cinnamon and ginger are primarily imported into the U.S., although some ginger is raised in Hawaii and Georgia.

Don’t forget the ham and turkey that are often the centerpiece for many a traditional Christmas dinner. Indiana has long been a leader in hog and turkey production, which provides us with a great source of protein in an otherwise carb-laden holiday season.