what did they grow and eat in indiana in 1806?

Answer 1

turnips

Answer 2

Certain foods were found by the settler upon arrival to the Indiana lands. The varieties of nuts found in hardwood areas were hickory nuts, black walnuts, chestnuts, and beechnuts along with hazelnuts and pecans in some areas. Other wild foods were the paw paws, wild cherries, persimmons, wild grapes, plums and crab apples. Berries were found in many wooded areas, especially the wild strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Herbs and roots found wild in the woods were gathered for teas, medicines and seasonings. Lastly, wild game, such as deer, wild turkey or squirrel, and fresh fish could round out the settler's meals. Once the pioneers has cleared fields of trees, corn was planted and used as a major source of nutrition. They would ground the corn and make corn meal. This was used to make corn bread, corn mush and johnny cakes which are like pancakes.

While such foods were known to be available, this does not necessarily indicate that they were always found on the table during meal times. The fact must not be forgotten that the newcomer was faced immediately with the need to provide shelter for his family and animals, the job of clearing fields for gardens and larger crops such as corn and beans, and the building of tools and household furniture. With such tasks all taking up portions of the daily work pattern, there would not have been an extremely large amount of time left to gather foods for the table.

"Wheat was also planted, according to another source, and ducks, squirrels, rabbits, deer were amoung the game killed for food.