OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS, P.O. BOX 1163, RICHMOND, VA 23218, www.vdacs.virginia.gov
June 1, 2009
Contact: Marion Horsley, (804)225-3820
CELEBRATE TURKEY LOVERS’ MONTH THROUGHOUT JUNE
June is Turkey Lovers’ Month. According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), it’s the ideal time to celebrate the delicious taste, versatility, high quality nutrition and cooking ease of one of Virginia’s top products. Although the tradition of the Thanksgiving turkey may seem to make November a more appropriate choice for Turkey Lovers’ Month, the June celebration emphasizes turkey’s year round popularity.
At any time of year, when you are talking turkey, there is a lot to celebrate. Foremost is outstanding taste. Turkey’s distinctive flavor is wonderful by itself, complimentary to many side dishes, and the perfect partner for herbs, spices, sauces, rubs or marinades. It comes in a wide variety of cuts and products including whole birds, quick cooking cutlets, tenderloins, ground turkey, sausage, ham, franks and deli meats. It is adaptable to cooking methods from stovetop and microwave to oven and grill. Turkey works well in spicy dishes and can substitute for higher fat meats in spaghetti sauce, pizza, quiche, meatballs or burgers.
On the health front, turkey is a nutrient-dense, low fat, high food that is naturally low in sodium. A 3 ounce serving of roasted, skinless turkey breast contains 26 grams of protein, 45 milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of fat and only 120 calories.
People have discovered that turkey fits easily into their busy lifestyles and they are eating more of it every year. Since 1970, per capita consumption of turkey has more than doubled, increasing from 8.1 pounds to 18 pounds in 2007. People no longer save this savory bird especially for holiday fare. In 1970, 50% of all turkey consumed was eaten during the holidays; today only 29% of the total is eaten during the holiday season.
Turkey is big business in Virginia. Since 1990, turkey production in the Commonwealth has increased from approximately 17 million birds to an estimated 22 million in 2007. Virginia accounted for 7.4% of the total US production in 2007 and ranked fifth in the nation for the number of turkeys raised.
Celebrate Turkey Lovers’ Month by trying a new turkey recipe. You will discover more than 900 delicious versions on the National Turkey Federation’s website at www.eatturkey.com. Search their recipe database to find just what you are looking for. You can specify dish type, ethnicity, meal type, occasion, preparation method and product type as well as indicate your preference for low fat, low carb, low calorie, low cholesterol or low sodium. Gobble 'em up!
