Why Do We Eat Turkey at Christmas?
Christmas is the time for traditions, like sending out Christmas cards, decorating the Christmas tree, and eating turkey. Turkey is one of the most iconic features of Christmas, and many of us enjoy a roasted turkey with our families every single year. But where did this tradition come from? And why do we enjoy turkey over other meats? We will reveal it all here.
Where The Tradition Started
Although turkeys aren’t native to the UK, they’ve been eaten here for hundreds of years after they were imported to Britain in 1526 when a Yorkshireman acquired six turkeys from American Indian traders whilst on his travels. It’s thought that Henry VIII was the first British person to enjoy turkey on Christmas day. However, back then it was a luxury item, and turkeys didn’t become a popular festive centrepiece on family’s dinner tables until around 400 years later! Now, it’s estimated that over 10 million turkeys are eaten in the UK every year.
What We Ate Before Turkey
In the medieval period, before the arrival of turkey in Britain, Christmas was spent with families gathered around the table to enjoy the likes of boar, with stuffed boar heads being served as a Christmas centrepiece. Up until Tudor times, a thick, meaty stew would also be served in a trencher (a hollowed-out load of stale bread).
After the turkey was introduced to the UK, it began to grow in popularity as a Christmas meat alongside Goose. However, it wasn’t until the Victorian era when turkey finally became the most popular meat to eat at Christmas. Then, in the 20th century, turkey farms like John Howe began farming free-range, delicious turkeys for traditional British Christmases.
Why Do We Eat Turkey Over Other Meat?
Turkeys are a great option for Christmas over other meats due to their size. You can buy incredibly large full turkeys and turkey crowns to feed your whole family. Traditionally, turkeys were preferred over cows and chickens so that farmers could continue producing milk and eggs over Christmas.
Other Christmas Turkey Facts
- There are 2 types of Christmas turkey available – bronze and white. White turkeys are a household favourite with their healthy breast meat and generous thighs, whereas bronze turkeys produce richer, gamier-tasting meat.
- Most people opt for a turkey crown as it’s easier to cook evenly, however with a full turkey you get the delicious dark meat of the wings, thighs and legs.
- Dark meat is darker due to the myoglobin it contains which is a protein found in the muscle tissue that carries oxygen.
- The most popular ways to eat leftover turkey after Christmas is in a sandwich, stew, soup, salad, casserole, or stir-fry.