The Turkey

       Every November we get together and eat a turkey for thanksgiving, mostly out of tradition, but what do we really know about the turkey? It is native to North America and Benjamin Franklin wanted it to be the national bird. Here are a few other fun facts about this large bird.
       Fossils of ancient turkeys have been found all over the United States, from California to Virgina. The people of Mexico were the first to domesticate the bird and it is a staple in their cuisine. Instead of your traditional turkey why not try turkey moles from Oxaca, Mexico, which includes chocolate and pumpkin seeds, yum! Turkey was introduced in England in the 16 century and was considered an expensive delicacy for many years.
       With the explosion of the turkey's popularity many farmers have begun to produce more and more. A popular breed is the Broad Breasted White which is able to produce more white meat then dark meat. Do you have a preference? They task the same to me. Now with the organic and farm to table movements under way farmers are trying to produce smaller and better birds. These birds are closer to the one that would have been running wild back before the Pilgrims arrived. Naturally these birds cost more then the popular Broad Breasted White but if you crave an authentic Thanksgiving then order one of these and break out your buckle hats!
       Food traditions are as important to our culture as any other kind of tradition. Food is a way to express where we have been and where we are now. How many of us eat the same recipe every year, why, because it's a family recipe. Why will we eat the same kinds of foods every year, because that's they way we have always done it. Food is something that we partake in everyday but sometimes spend very little time thinking about. So, next time you go to take a bite of your left over turkey, think about why we eat the food that we do and why it is important.