For decades the turkey has been the centerpiece and highlight of many Thanksgiving meals. Whether you prefer it baked, stuffed or deep fried it’s often a staple at holiday family gatherings. Turkeys have a long and interesting history. Did you know…
- 46 million turkeys are eaten each year on Thanksgiving, with 88% of Americans eating turkey that day.
- The largest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds and the size of a large dog.
- Turkeys can be traced to over 10 million years ago.
- Illinois farmers raise almost 3 million turkeys annually.
- Eating turkey does not cause sleepiness. It’s likely the carbohydrates eaten at the meal that cause the drowsy feeling.
- Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef and is low in fat.
- Wild turkeys were almost extinct by the early 1900’s in the United States. Currently there are wild turkeys in every state except Alaska.
- Wild turkeys can fly and prefer to sleep in Oak trees at night.
- Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.
- Turkey was a favorite of Native Americans and became one of only two domesticated birds when Europeans arrived in America.
The turkey is a true original of America and a bird of courage, according to Benjamin Franklin in a letter to his daughter in 1784. While there are differing opinions about his desire to make the turkey the United States national bird, Benjamin Franklin did respect the turkey and its place as a true native of America.
From all of us at Kramer Tree Specialists, Happy Thanksgiving!