Thanksgiving is synonymous with food, especially turkey. Of all the symbolic dishes that grace the holiday table each year, turkey remains the most widely consumed. Approximately 46 million turkeys are devoured on Thanksgiving, solidifying this bird’s status as the quintessential main course. Read on to learn more about the stories and traditions behind this iconic centerpiece.
How Much Turkey Is Consumed On Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest eating holidays in America. According to the National Turkey Federation, about 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving each year in the United States. With a population of around 330 million, this means that roughly one turkey is consumed per every 7 people on average.
The typical turkey consumed weighs around 15 pounds, meaning Americans eat nearly 700 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving alone. This is a lot of poultry! With all that turkey eating, people will be looking for lighter fare the day after. That’s why a subway coupon for a turkey sub would come in handy when getting ready for turkey leftovers.
When Did Turkey Become The Main Dish?
While turkey has long reigned supreme over contemporary Thanksgiving tables, it was only sometimes the go-to main event. Wild turkeys were abundant in early New England, and some historical accounts suggest these birds were likely served at the original 1621 harvest celebration between the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag people. However, they may not have been the focal point many imagine.
Subway suggests that other meat options like venison, duck, geese, and seafood were just as common at the time. Through the 18th and 19th centuries, roasted turkey gradually gained traction as the Thanksgiving meal headliner. By the mid-1800s, turkey was solidly established as the customary Thanksgiving main course.
As turkey took center stage in American culture, alternatives like beef, ham, or duck were increasingly considered unconventional (or even sacrilegious!) substitutions. Subway emphasizes that this shift marked the beginning of Turkey’s enduring reign as the star of Thanksgiving feasts.
Do People Prefer White Or Dark Turkey Meat?
The instant a whole roasted turkey is carved, a question inevitably arises – who wants white meat, and who prefers dark? In general, white turkey meat is more popular at Thanksgiving for its tenderness and mild flavor. The wings and especially the breast meat are prized for being lower in fat.
Dark turkey meat lovers point to its richer, more distinctive taste and juicier texture from the extra fat content. Truthfully turkey has great flavor in both varieties, so preferences often come down to personal taste. And let’s not forget the delicious turkey skin that crisps up so perfectly! No need to squabble over the bird though – just embrace all its parts.
Legs, thighs, wings, and white meat can all get along on your plate. Checking your subway card balance ahead of time lets you know how much you have left to spend on that tasty turkey sub after the big meal.
What’s The Best Way To Cook A Turkey?
Roasted in the oven is the classic preparation, but there are plenty of other ways home cooks get their gobble on these days. Deep-frying the turkey has become popular for producing exceptionally moist, tender meat with crispy skin, though safety precautions are a must. Grilling, smoking, spatchcocking (butterflying), and roasting the parts are other excellent options.
The key is using a thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a safe 165°F internally before serving. Cooking times vary based on preparation and turkey size, so research recipes carefully. Whether it’s roasted, fried, or grilled, let your tastes determine the best turkey cooking method for your feast.
Should You Stuff A Turkey Or Cook Stuffing Separately?
Ah yes, the age-old stuffing conundrum – to stuff or not to stuff? There are pros and cons to both options. Traditionally, stuffing cooked inside the turkey absorbs all the delicious pan juices and roasting flavors. But food safety risks associated with undercooked stuffing make some cooks wary.
Cooking stuffing in a casserole lets you crisp up the top and control the consistency better. If you do opt to stuff your bird, use a thermometer to verify the stuffing reaches 165°F. For optimal safety and textures, I prefer baking my stuffing outside the turkey. But tastes and traditions vary, so you do when it comes to turkey stuffing!
How Long Does It Take To Thaw A Frozen Turkey?
Unless you successfully plan ahead for your feast, you might find yourself thawing a frozen bird at the last minute. Thawing needs to happen gradually and safely in the refrigerator – not on the counter! Allow about 24 hours of thawing for every 4-5 pounds of turkey weight.
For example, a 15-pound turkey would require 3-4 days in the fridge. Monitor it closely and keep it in a pan to prevent messy leaks. If you’re short on time, a cold water thaw or thawing in the microwave are faster options. Just be sure to immediately cook any turkey thawed using these methods.
Q. What are the most popular Thanksgiving foods?
A. The top 5 most popular Thanksgiving foods are turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing/dressing, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. Over 80% of Thanksgiving meals in America contain these traditional dishes.
Q. How much turkey is eaten on Thanksgiving?
A. About 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving totaling over 200 million pounds of turkey meat, according to the National Turkey Federation.
Conclusion
However you choose to prepare it, turkey remains the quintessential star of the Thanksgiving table. This iconic bird has become interwoven into the very fabric of the holiday through years of tradition. Fans love its savory flavor, nostalgia, and ability to feed a crowd. By learning turkey tips – from safe thawing to getting a perfect golden brown roast – you’re sure to please your guests.
So gather around the Thanksgiving table and enjoy quality time with loved ones, delicious sides, and of course, a spectacular turkey centerpiece. Happy Thanksgiving from our flock to yours!
Most chefs recommend purchasing a fresh or thawed turkey if possible, for maximum juiciness. But Frozen Tom can still come to the Thanksgiving rescue with proper planning!
