Thanksgiving is a holiday linked with gratitude, family, football and of course the golden brown turkey. But many ask is turkey really essential on your Thanksgiving plate. Is it okay to go against traditions and not eat turkey for Thanksgiving? While turkey has become a traditional centerpiece of Thanksgiving many families have slowly started to strive away from turkey.
Why keep turkey?
Keeping turkey is largely about tradition and the sense of nostalgia and connection it brings. For many, it’s a comforting centerpiece that was always beloved by family. The spirit of the holiday is embodied by the turkey. Some even say it’s “Thanksgiving Mascot”. Plus it’s a very practical choice when it comes to price, availability and feeding a large crowd. People can enjoy dark meat or white meat, plus turkey legs and wings. Alyssa Wray (a student at CHS) gave this statement when interviewed, “My family always sticks to the traditions, we love turkey and everything else for other authentic holidays). Many others also think like this.
Why shy away from turkey?
Some people are moving away from turkey for dietary preferences but the majority relies around taste. There are lots of people who don’t care about traditions or historical context. They just want to eat the food they find appealing. Some say no matter how a turkey is cooked it will always be “dry” and “bland”. But there are many different meat alternatives you could eat on Thanksgiving. Jeffery Mellito (a student a CHS) gave this statement when interviewed, “My aunt always tried to go fancy for the holidays but the turkey will always end up tasting like cardboard.”. Many others also think like this.
Turkey Alternatives
- Ham – Often has a richer, saltier, and smokier flavor due to curing processes. Some people find it more satisfying than turkey’s more subtle taste. Ham also tends to retain moisture much better than turkey during cooking so the meat itself is not as dry and holds onto more flavor. Ham is largely considered way easier to cook and prepare.
- Chicken – Cost seems to be number one on this list. The chicken is probably the most affordable meat out there. The cooking time is also much faster than turkey which is beneficial in stressful holiday times. The versatility of chicken is massive, it can be used in so many more ways.
My Opinion
My thoughts on this heavily leans towards the side of leaving turkey behind. In my family turkey is still served on Thanksgiving but not in a large role. Pernil is the main meat dish along with ham. Pernil is a Hispanic pulled pork meat and ham is commonly eaten across America. My plate is usually filled with the sides of the dinner such as baked Mac and cheese and mash potatoes. Gloria Fahmy (a student at CHS) gave this statement when interviewed, “Personally my family doesn’t eat turkey for Thanksgiving, My mom and I believe it is best to leave turkey in the past. The less turkeys you eat means the more animals that are killed”. I agree with her statement, not for the same reasons as her but it is true we both believe turkey is a no go.
