🤔 Today's Trivia Question:

Which Country Consumes the Most Turkey Per Capita?

Correct Answer: B) Israel

🍗 Why Israel, Not the U.S., Consumes the Most Turkey

While the United States is often associated with turkey consumption due to its prominent role in Thanksgiving traditions, it is not the country that consumes the most turkey per capita. Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrating the coming together of Native Americans and European settlers, sees about seven out of eight U.S. families enjoying turkey. However, Israel holds the top spot for turkey consumption per person, where an even larger percentage of the population regularly enjoys this poultry. Other countries also include turkey in their diets, but none match Israel's enthusiasm for the bird.

Turkey is often considered a dry meat, especially if it’s not cooked with care. Simply roasting a turkey without any preparation will usually result in dry meat. To combat this, many cooks use various techniques to retain moisture. Some choose to stuff the turkey with flavorful ingredients, while others use gravy to add juiciness. These methods, and more, help enhance the flavor and texture of turkey, making it a more enjoyable meal.

Cooking a turkey properly requires attention to its weight and the oven's temperature. Typically, turkeys are cooked at either 325°F or 350°F. For birds weighing between eight and 12 pounds, the cooking time is usually 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. Heavier turkeys, ranging from 12 to 14 pounds, may need to cook for up to 3 hours and 45 minutes. Stuffing the turkey can also increase the cooking time, as more heat is needed to cook through the additional ingredients.

Deep frying turkey has become a popular alternative to roasting because it results in juicier meat. However, this method comes with significant risks. Deep frying can cause severe accidents if not done correctly, such as the risk of the oil vat tipping over, leading to fires. Additionally, the hot oil poses a danger of burns, which can result in serious injuries. These potential hazards make deep frying a turkey a risky choice, and it should be done with caution.