As a curious home cook preparing my first Thanksgiving turkey years ago, I puzzled over that strange bulbous mass at the tail-end of the bird. My grandma called it the “pope’s nose” and said it was a special treat. But what exactly is this quirky body part on turkeys and how did it get such a peculiar name? Let’s unravel the mysteries of the pope’s nose!
What is the Pope’s Nose?
The pope’s nose, also known as the parson’s nose, sultan’s nose, or pygostyle, refers to a fatty piece of flesh located on the backside of a turkey or chicken. It is formed where the tail feathers were attached to the bird.
Scientifically speaking, the pope’s nose is the pygostyle, the fleshy lump that remains of the bird’s coccyx or tailbone. This lump consists of fat and tendons along with some small bits of meat.
On a whole turkey, you’ll find the pope’s nose at the rear cavity opening. It stands out as a round mass of skin-covered fat at the tip of the backbone. chickens and other poultry have a pope’s nose as well.
Why Is It Called That?
This distinctive bird part has carried many monikers through history. The term “pope’s nose” first appeared in English in the 1700s as a cheeky reference to the shape resembling a human nose
Calling it the “parson’s nose” emerged in the 1800s during anti-Catholic sentiment in Britain, comparing the clergy’s nose to a bird bottom.
Other names like sultan’s nose and bishop’s nose arose worldwide, all jokingly associating the bulbous rear with prominent noses. The origins remain murky but the comparisons were clearly not flattering!
Is the Pope’s Nose Edible?
While we may giggle at its appearance, the pope’s nose is absolutely edible! This fatty morsel has a signature crisp skin and rich, succulent meat.
Many cultures consider the pope’s nose a delicacy. It offers soft texture, bold turkey flavor, and high fat and protein content.
Fully cook the pope’s nose to 165°F internally before eating to eliminate food safety risks. Then enjoy it roasted, fried, grilled, or simmered in soups.
Some do find the pope’s nose unappealingly fatty or chewy. If desired, simply remove the pope’s nose before cooking your holiday bird and discard or save it for stock.
Cooking the Pope’s Nose
If you want to indulge in the pope’s nose, here are some tasty cooking methods:
-
Roast it alongside the turkey for crispy skin and juicy meat
-
Pan fry the pope’s nose in oil until browned for finger-licking snacking
-
Grill pope’s noses on skewers for a high-fat kebab experience
-
Chop and simmer in bean stew or turkey soup for rich flavor
-
Bread and deep fry the pope’s nose for an irresistible pub-style appetizer
-
Sauté diced pope’s nose in a stir fry or rice for added richness
Experiment with spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder to liven up the flavors. Dip cooked pope’s noses in sauces like chimichurri or zhug for extra kick.
Tips for Handling the Pope’s Nose
Follow these tips when dealing with the infamous pope’s nose:
-
Carefully slice off the pope’s nose before cooking your turkey if desired. It can obstruct even cooking.
-
Save removed pope’s noses in the freezer to cook later. They keep several months.
-
Roast the pope’s nose alongside the turkey so it gets beautifully browned and crisp.
-
Check internal temperature of pope’s nose before eating to ensure it reaches safe 165°F.
-
Add leftover bits of pope’s nose meat to stuffing or casseroles for a flavor boost.
Now that the mysteries of the pope’s nose are solved, don’t let this quirky turkey part go to waste! Try cooking up some crispy, fatty pope’s noses for your next feast.
Come in! Come in!
Quotes from some of my favorite Bloggers and Friends
“There aint nothin more powerful than the odor of mendacity . . .You can smell it. It smells like death.” Tennessee Williams, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Lord, take me where You want me to go, let me meet who You want me to meet, tell me what You want me to say, and keep me out of Your way. Amen. Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM, Chaplain, NYFD, First official recorded victim 9/11 attack
“You can call the dogs in, wet the fire, and leave the house. The hunts over.” James Carville after the 2nd Presidential Debate
“Literalism in any form is little more than pious hysteria.” John Shelby Spong, Bishop of Newark, retired
Turkey Tom Goes For the Eyes (And Ears! And Nose!)
FAQ
What is the pope’s nose of a turkey?
Why is it called the Pope’s nose?
What is the meaning of Parson’s nose turkey?
What is the thing on a turkey’s nose?
What is the scientific name for the Pope’s nose?
The scientific term for the pope’s nose is the uropygium. This is the part that holds the tail feathers. It also includes the uropygial gland, also known as the preen gland or oil gland. Some sites equate the pope’s nose with the pygostyle, but that is the term for the underlying skeleton, like our tailbone, which consists of fused vertebrae.
What is the uropygium of a Pope’s nose?
Perhaps not surprisingly, the website of said church did not mention this story, though they do have an old and beautiful building. The scientific term for the pope’s nose is the uropygium. This is the part that holds the tail feathers. It also includes the uropygial gland, also known as the preen gland or oil gland.
Can a Pope’s nose be sneezed at?
So don’t turn up your nose at this tasty tidbit – it seems the pope’s nose is not to be sneezed at! Some favor the term pope’s nose to describe a turkey’s tailbone while others call it a parson’s nose instead.
Is a Turkey tailbone a parson’s nose?
This piece has a little bit of meat, a good chunk of skin, and a whole lot of fat (according to Smithsonian Magazine, a turkey tailbone gets about 75 percent of its calories from fat). Yet another thing that some may squabble about is what to call the turkey’s tailbone. Some favor the term pope’s nose, while others call it a parson’s nose instead.