Body Parts of a Turkey

Turkey is the traditional centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner in America. However, as people have become more health-conscious, turkey has become a food choice year-round. Knowing the parts of a turkey can help make every turkey dinner a success.

Breast

The all-white meat turkey breast is low in cholesterol, calories, fat and sodium. It can be purchased with or without bones, whole, cut in half or smaller pieces such as tenderloins.

Wing

Turkey wings are also all-white meat. They can be purchased whole or cut into sections. These sections are the drumette, middle wing and wing tip.

Hind Quarter

The hind quarter includes the thigh, drumstick and part of the back. This piece is comprised entirely of dark meat.

Thigh

Above the knee joint is the thigh. It is dark meat and is marketed with or without skin and bones.

Drumstick

Below the knee of the leg is the drumstick. It is dark meat, and can weigh up to 1.5 lbs.

Neck and Giblets

The giblets are the liver, heart and gizzards. A commercially processed turkey will have these in a separate bag inside the body cavity.

References

• Recipe Tips