Turkey (food)

Turkeyss are large poultry birds traditionally eaten at Christmas in Britain and Australia, and Thanksgiving in the United States, though they also make up a more regular part of some diets.

Both fresh and frozen turkeys are used for cooking; as with most foods, fresh turkeys are generally preferred, but cost more. Around holiday seasons, high demand for fresh turkeys often makes them difficult to purchase without ordering in advance. However, the large size of the turkeys typically used for consumption makes defrosting them a major endeavor: a typically-sized turkey will take several days to properly defrost.

Especially during holiday seasons, stuffing is traditionally served with turkey. There are many varieties; chestnut, sage and onion (flavored bread), and sausage are the most traditional. Stuffing may either be used to stuff the turkey (as the name implies), or may be cooked separately and served as a side dish.

Turkeys are usually baked in the oven for several hours, though in some areas, particularly the American South, they may sometimes be deep-fried in hot oil (often peanut oil) for 30 to 45 minutes. Deep-frying turkey has become something of a fad, with hazardous consequences for those unprepared to safely handle the large quantities of hot oil required. [1]

For Christmas in Britain, turkey is traditionally served with cranberry jelly, bread sauce and winter vegetables including roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips. Sometimes sausagemeat that has been wrapped in bacon is also served.

For Thanksgiving in the United States, turkey is traditionally served with cranberry sauce and gravy. Other items vary, but common complimentary dishes include mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, various vegetables such as corn, squash, sweet potatoes, and various types of pies for dessert (such as pumpkin, apple and pecan).

Despite the name, turkeys do not come from the country of Turkey. They were first found in the United States. English is not the only language to make this mistake, however.

Wild turkey have a very different taste from farm raised turkey. Almost all of the meat is "dark",even the breasts. The meat tastes more meaty it has that same turkey flavor only magnified many times over.

You must be very quiet when hunting turkey. They are very jumpy and are easiy scared away. They are alos very very fast and could easily out run a human over a short distance, especially in the woods.

If you ever get a chance to eat wild turkey go for it.

See also: Thanksgiving dinner, turducken cooking a turkey(wikibooks).

Turkey (food)

External links