What did the Lenape Indians eat?

Lenape Indians were hunter and farmers which gave them a wide choice of food, including deer, fish, corn, squash, berries, birds and eggs. The Lenape were able to dry many vegetables, such as corn, and save them in leather skins for use in the winter when they were unable to grow food.

Fish was one of the most dependable sources of food. Fishing was available virtually year round in the area where the Lenape lived. The lakes and rivers often held fish all year, but during the spring, the choices increased in some springs as shad and sturgeon came back from the ocean to lay their eggs. These spring runs allowed the Lenape to prepare smoked and dried fish for the winter.