A Fowl Choice: Make It Turkey

Does turkey show up regularly on your table? Americans are gobbling more and more of this lean bird.

U.S. turkey consumption has risen 106 percent since 1975, the National Turkey Federation reports. What's more, we're not just flocking to turkey around Thanksgiving. Year-round, we're buying a variety of sizes, shapes and textures.

In your grocer's case, you'll find whole turkeys and parts — fresh, frozen, and smoked. You'll also see ground turkey, turkey cutlets, turkey hot dogs, turkey sausage, and turkey burgers.

A well-stocked deli offers sliced turkey a half-dozen ways from roasted to barbecued. How about turkey pastrami?

On the lead side

"The whole focus [today] is on lowering fat intake, particularly saturated fats," says Wahida Karmally, R.D., an American Dietetic Association spokeswoman. "If you look at how lean it can get, turkey is the leanest of all, even [leaner than] chicken." Turkey also offers more iron and vitamins than most fish.

But turkey should be just one alternative in a healthy diet that includes variety, Karmally says.

"People want to develop good eating styles," she says. "And if people try to make these drastic changes and limit foods, they are not going to stick to that eating pattern for a long time."

Some turkey products draw criticism for being too tough or too dry, but that's often because of how the turkey is cooked. Turkey can dry out easily because there's not much fat to maintain moistness.

A meat thermometer can help ensure a moist meal. The bird's internal temperature is the true indicator of readiness: 170 degrees for the breast and 180 degrees in the thigh. And when it's done, it's done.

Turkey talk

• More than one-fourth of all households consume turkey deli meats at least once every two weeks.

• A 15-pound turkey has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat. The white meat has fewer calories and less fat.

• Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the official U.S. bird and reportedly was dismayed when the bald eagle won out.

• Only tom turkeys gobble. Hen turkeys make a clicking noise.

• The top five most popular ways to eat leftover turkey: a sandwich; soup or stew; salad; casserole; and stir-fry.