Myths and Facts

The Ultimate Guide to Turkey Myths and Facts

Myth 1: Turkey Makes You Sleepy

A prevalent myth is that the turkey is a sleep-inducing food, thanks to its essential amino acid L-tryptophan content.

The Fact
While it's true that L-tryptophan is used by the human body to produce the sleep-related hormones serotonin and melatonin, the amount present in turkey isn't enough to make you drowsy. Foods like chicken, beef, nuts, and cheeses also contain L-tryptophan. The overconsumption of food and drink during celebrations, coupled with high-carbohydrate foods, likely makes you feel sleepy.

Myth 2: Turkeys are Native to the Country Turkey

Many believe that turkeys are indigenous to the country, Turkey. The reality couldn't be further from the truth.

The Fact
Turkeys are indigenous to North America, not Turkey. The Aztecs in Mexico were likely the first to domesticate turkeys. Spanish explorers then brought these birds back to Europe. Early European colonists brought them back to North America from there, completing a round-trip global trip.

Myth 3: Turkeys are Dumb

Another popular misconception is that turkeys are not intelligent.

The Fact
Turkeys are, in fact, quite intelligent and vibrant birds. They exhibit personality and character, demonstrate a keen awareness of their surroundings, and can form lifelong social units. Turkeys even have a sophisticated language of yelps and cackles.

Myth 4: Rinsing Turkey Before Cooking Makes It Safer

Some believe rinsing a turkey carcass before cooking can eliminate harmful bacteria.

The Fact
Contrary to this belief, rinsing a turkey can spread bacteria all over the bird, sink, and countertops. The safe alternative is to skip the rinse. Instead, cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, sufficient to kill off harmful bacteria.

Myth 5: White Meat is Healthier Than Dark Meat

A common dietary myth is that turkey's white meat is healthier than dark meat.

The Fact
While white meat does contain fewer calories and fat than dark meat, the nutritional differences are marginal. Dark meat offers a higher density of nutrients like B vitamins and iron. Both white and dark turkey meat have less fat than red meat, making either an excellent dietary choice.

Myth 6: Turkey Pop-Up Thermometers are Reliable

Many people rely on the pop-up thermometers in turkeys to indicate when they're cooked properly.

The Fact
Pop-up thermometers can be misleading. They're usually calibrated to pop at 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, higher than the USDA-recommended internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For the most accurate reading, use an instant-read probe thermometer.

Myth 7: Turkeys Can't Fly

The notion that turkeys are flightless is another widespread myth.

The Fact
Wild turkeys can fly up to 100 yards or more to escape predators or roost. However, the broad-breasted breeds developed for industrial farming can't fly due to their disproportionate strength-to-mass ratio.

Myth 8: Cooking Stuffing Inside a Turkey is Unsafe

Some believe that stuffing a turkey before cooking can lead to food poisoning.

The Fact
It's safe to stuff a turkey as long as the stuffing and the turkey are cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The key is to press the turkey just after the filling has been cooked and is still hot, reducing the time it takes to reach a safe temperature.

Myth 9: Turkey Was the Main Dish at the First Thanksgiving

It's commonly believed that turkey was the centerpiece at the first Thanksgiving.

The Fact
No historical evidence suggests that turkeys were present at the Pilgrim's first Thanksgiving. Wildfowl and venison were likely the main dishes at the 1621 feast.

Myth 10: Turkey Farming is Humane

Finally, there's a misconception that turkeys are raised and slaughtered humanely.

The Fact
Industrial turkey farming often involves cramming birds into confined spaces, leading to injuries and preventing them from exhibiting natural behaviors. The standard method of slaughtering turkeys also raises serious animal welfare concerns.

Conclusion

As we've seen, turkeys are more than just a holiday centerpiece. They're intelligent, social creatures with a rich history and a complex biology. So, the next time you find yourself at a holiday dinner, you'll have plenty of turkey trivia to share – just be prepared for some surprised looks when you debunk these common myths.