Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Warming

Caution: Some people with gout cannot tolerate purine-rich foods such as turkey.

History/Folklore: The birds were brought to Europe by the Spanish over 400 years ago and came to England originally in 1550 and then via merchant ships from the Middle East where they were then domesticated. The merchants were called  “turkey merchants” as they were part of the Ottoman Empire, hence the name “turkey birds”, or more simply,“turkeys.”

A number of turkeys have been described from the fossil records.

In the United States the turkey is the symbol for the national holiday called Thanksgiving.  It is a celebration of the aid the Native American Indians provided the early pilgrims by introducing them to local foods that saved their lives when they first arrived. Turkey and pumpkins were among these foods and remain the main foods served every year on Thanksgiving holiday.

Turkey has a very low fat content. The nutrients help boost energy, metabolize the thyroid hormone, and balance insulin levels.

Many body builders recommend turkey for their low fat, carbohydrate content, high protein and nutrients.

The Native American Creek tribes still practice a turkey dance as part of their annual fire festivals.  The Aztecs, Mayans and Toltecs viewed the turkey as sacred and called it the “jewel bird”.  They are a symbol of foretelling as they become agitated prior to poor weather conditions.