As Thanksgiving approaches, turkey drumsticks become a hot commodity. Their tantalizing aroma, succulent meat, and crisp skin make them one of the most beloved parts of the holiday bird. But navigating the maze of turkey drumstick sizes and weights can be confusing. This comprehensive guide provides crucial insights into typical turkey drumstick weights to help you select the perfect legs for your feast.
Average Turkey Drumstick Weights
On average a single turkey drumstick weighs between 8-16 oz. However weights can range more broadly from 4-24 oz depending on the size of the turkey. For a 15 lb turkey, expect drumsticks to be around 8-12 oz each. A 20 lb bird will produce drumsticks weighing approximately 10-16 oz. Larger turkeys over 25 lbs can have drumsticks up to 1.5 lbs each.
When buying packaged drumsticks, most fall in the 10-14 oz range. Lighter legs around 8 oz are more common from smaller turkeys under 12 lbs. Jumbo drumsticks over 1 lb usually come from free range heritage breed turkeys.
If unsure, ask your butcher for average weights of their drumsticks based on the types of turkeys they source. This will give you a more exact weight range to expect.
Key Factors Influencing Drumstick Weights
Several key factors impact the weight of turkey drumsticks including:
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Breed – Heritage turkeys have heavier bone structure and more muscle than commercial breeds, producing larger drumsticks.
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Sex – Toms generally have thicker legs and meatier drumsticks compared to hens.
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Age – Older, more mature turkeys yield heavier drumsticks than younger birds.
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Feeding – Free range turkeys with higher protein diets develop larger legs.
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Butchering – Hand-carved drumsticks may weigh slightly more than mass produced legs
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Packaging – Drumsticks sold with thigh meat attached will weigh considerably more.
Estimating Weights for Your Feast
When calculating how many drumsticks to buy, here are some general guidelines:
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For a small gathering of 4, buy 1 lb of drumsticks (2 drumsticks at 8 oz each).
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For 6-8 guests, have 11⁄2 – 2 lbs of drumsticks on hand (3-4 drumsticks).
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For 10-12 people, plan on 21⁄2 – 3 lbs of drumsticks (5-6 drumsticks).
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For a large party of 14+, purchase 4+ lbs of drumsticks (8+ drumsticks).
Adjust weights up slightly if using jumbo or heritage breed drumsticks. Remember when planning that drumsticks are often a first choice appetizer, so it’s better to have extra.
Special Considerations
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If buying frozen drumsticks, account for 15-20% shrinkage after thawing.
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Allow 8-12 oz of meat per person if only serving drumsticks.
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Purchase a combination of white and dark meat to ensure well-rounded flavors.
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Have backups like turkey wings or thighs in case legs run low.
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Double check weights when purchasing to avoid unpleasant surprises.
With the typical range of turkey drumstick weights in mind, you can confidently plan portions and quantities for your ideal Thanksgiving spread. Focus on the breed, size of bird, and number of guests to select the perfect leg pieces. Approximate 1-2 drumsticks per person, adjusting for heartier appetites and leftovers. Then relax, knowing your turkey drumstick supply is fully under control.
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FAQ
How many ounces is an average turkey leg?
What size are turkey legs?
How much does a turkey thigh weigh?
How much of a turkey leg is bone?
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Raw Meaty Bone
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Bone %
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Meat %
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Turkey Back
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50%
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50%
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Turkey Breast
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14%
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86%
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|
Turkey Thigh
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20%
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80%
|
|
Turkey Leg
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38%
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62%
|
What size turkey drumsticks do you use?
For the roast turkey drumsticks, I used 12-14 ounce drumsticks, but feel free to use any size that’s available at your local grocery store. Turkey drumsticks (also sold as whole turkey legs) are more widely available during the holidays, but you can also find them year-round, depending on the store.
How to cook turkey drumsticks?
Roasting turkey drumsticks is a simple and straightforward way to cook them. To roast turkey drumsticks, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
How do you know if a turkey drumstick is cooked?
Below are some tips that will boost your confidence when baking turkey drumsticks and help you determine doneness: Cook time: Cook time is directly related to the size of the turkey drumstick. Larger legs take longer to cook, while smaller ones cook in a shorter amount of time.
How much butter do you put on turkey drumsticks?
Rub 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter over the meat of each drumstick. This will keep the meat moist while the drumsticks bake. For larger drumsticks, you can use up to 3 tablespoons (42 g) of butter. To make the butter easier to spread, bring it to room temperature before applying it to the turkey.