A Turkey is a big, domesticated bird, a native of North America. Turkey is distinguished by its white plumage and a bare wattled neck and head. The name Turkey was first applied to the guinea fowl that was thought to have originated in Turkey. However, the American Turkey is a quite different species from the guinea fowl, though the name remained. Some common breeds of Turkey are: Narragansett, Bronze, White Holland, and Bourbon Red.

Turkeys are raised in special farms on a diet comprising of soybean and corn. They are also given additional nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, antibiotics are also given to Turkeys to prevent diseases and to increase feed efficiency. The quantity of antibiotics to be given, and the withdrawal period, is determined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service). The Turkey’s health is inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or any other state systems, and it may also be graded for quality. Turkeys take around 4-5 months to grow to full size. Birds less than 8 months of age are known as young Turkeys.

Turkey-source.com reports that Turkeys may be fresh or processed. Processed Turkeys may contain certain additives like MSG, sodium erythorbate or salt. However, these additives have to be listed on the packaging. Fresh Turkeys should not contain any additives. Fresh Turkeys are those that are stored at over 26°F, whereas processed frozen Turkeys are those that are stored at temperatures of 0°F or lower. Freezing a Turkey continuously would keep it fresh and safe indefinitely.

Dishes made of Turkeys are a delicacy in North America. Turkeys are especially related to Thanksgiving--in fact, there cannot be a Thanksgiving dinner without a Turkey. Turkey can be roasted, smoked, grilled or microwaved. Turkey can be used for appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, etc. Some delicious Turkey dishes that can be made are: Grilled Turkey Brat Hoagies, Turkey chili, Turkey breast Diane, Turkey enchiladas, garlic roasted Turkey, ginger lime Turkey strips, seasoned Turkey with rice pilaf, Turkey sausage with pasta, Turkey bratwurst kabobs, Turkey lasagna, Turkey meatloaf, Turkey parmesan, Turkey sausage, Turkey scaloppini, stir fried Turkey with walnuts and cashews, grilled southwestern Bratwurst, Turkey pizza, Turkey burgers and so on.

While buying a Turkey, check for the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. All raw as well as cooked Turkey products should contain storage and safe handling instructions on the packaging. Multi-ingredient Turkey products should contain nutritional information as well, though single-ingredient Turkey products like Turkey breasts may provide voluntary information.

Turkeys may be fresh or processed. Processed turkeys may contain certain additives like MSG, sodium erythorbate or salt. However, these additives have to be listed on the packaging. Fresh turkeys should not contain any additives. Fresh turkeys are those that are stored at over 26°F, whereas processed frozen turkeys are those that are stored at temperatures of 0°F or lower. Freezing a turkey continuously would keep it fresh and safe indefinitely.

Dishes made of turkeys are a delicacy in North America. Turkeys are especially related to Thanksgiving--in fact, there cannot be a Thanksgiving dinner without a turkey. Turkey can be roasted, smoked, grilled or microwaved. Turkey can be used for appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, etc. Some delicious turkey dishes that can be made are: Grilled Turkey Brat Hoagies, turkey chili, turkey breast Diane, turkey enchiladas, garlic roasted turkey, ginger lime turkey strips, seasoned turkey with rice pilaf, turkey sausage with pasta, turkey bratwurst kabobs, turkey lasagna, turkey meatloaf, turkey parmesan, turkey sausage, turkey scaloppini, stir fried turkey with walnuts and cashews, grilled southwestern Bratwurst, turkey pizza, turkey burgers and so on.

While buying a turkey, check for the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. All raw as well as cooked turkey products should contain storage and safe handling instructions on the packaging. Multi-ingredient turkey products should contain nutritional information as well, though single-ingredient turkey products like turkey breasts may provide voluntary information.