Turkey hunting was one of our favorite pastimes and we used to spend a ridiculous amount of time and energy simply getting ready for the hunting season to finally open. When it did, we would bundle up and head out in search of the perfect tom to dress our table. While we dont get to go out too often anymore, we still highly recommend it.
In Ohio (as with many states) bag limits for wild turkey are ridiculously small, making this once-common game bird a delicacy each season. Even though this delicious meal is something we dont get to eat every day, knowing the health benefits, nutrition, and safe handling of wild turkey meat is good information that might even make your next delicious roasted wild turkey taste better than it already does.
For many hunters, getting a wild turkey is a prized accomplishment Not only is it challenging to hunt, but wild turkey meat also has a distinct taste compared to domestic turkey. If cooked properly, wild turkey can provide a rich, flavorful meat that stands out from what you buy at the grocery store
Flavor Profile
The flavor of wild turkey meat is influenced by the bird’s natural diet and lifestyle. Wild turkeys spend their days roaming and foraging developing lean, muscular flesh. This results in a meat that is darker firmer, and more intensely flavored than domestic turkey.
The breast meat of a wild turkey tastes similar to domestic turkey breast, but with a firmer texture and more pronounced taste. The legs and thighs have an even bolder flavor with a slight gaminess, and are darker than domestic turkey. Overall, wild turkey can be described as tasting like a more robust version of domestic turkey.
Natural Diet Makes a Difference
A major factor in the flavor of wild game is the animal’s diet. Wild turkeys eat a diverse range of natural foods like nuts, seeds, berries, and insects. The varied flavors of these foods get incorporated into the meat.
Domestic turkeys, on the other hand, are raised on a uniform diet of corn and soy. While this results in a tender, mild flavored meat, it lacks the depth and character of a wild turkey that feeds on diverse, wild foods.
Cooking Wild Turkey
To get the best flavor out of your wild turkey, it’s important to cook it properly. Here are some tips:
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Brining – Soaking the meat in a saltwater brine ensures it stays juicy and seasoned. Wild turkey is lean and can dry out easily.
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Low and slow – Cook legs and thighs low and slow, either roasted or in a crockpot until fork tender. The connective tissue needs time to break down.
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Don’t overcook the breast – Wild turkey breast is easy to overcook. Roast or grill it just until done, around 145°F internal temperature.
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Use moisture – Baste and roast the turkey with butter, broth, or bacon drippings to keep it from drying out.
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Make gravy – Gravy made from pan drippings adds back moisture and captures the turkey flavor.
Following these techniques brings out the best in your wild turkey meat. Avoid overcooking the lean meat so it stays juicy and flavorful.
How Wild Turkey Differs from Domestic
Beyond just flavor, here are some of the main ways wild turkey differs from the domestic Thanksgiving bird:
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Size – Wild turkeys are much smaller, averaging 16-20 lbs compared to domestic turkeys that can reach 40 lbs.
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Proportion – Less breast meat since wild turkey breasts are built for flying, not meat yield.
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Leanness – Virtually no fat since wild turkeys are active and eat a natural diet. Domestic turkeys are selectively bred to be plump.
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Texture – Wild turkey meat is firmer and chewier especially the legs and thighs. The breast is fine when not overcooked.
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Color – The meat is darker overall, even the breast meat. The legs are very dark, almost black.
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Flavor – As covered earlier, wild turkey has a more intense, nuanced flavor from its varied natural foods.
So while wild turkey has some similarities to domestic turkey, the differences in flavor, texture, leanness and meat proportions give it a unique eating experience.
Tips for Preparing Wild Turkey
Here are some additional tips to get the most enjoyment from your wild turkey harvest:
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Save any bones and trimmings to make turkey stock. Simmer with vegetables for a rich broth.
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The legs and thighs are great for stews, chili, and pot pies where the darker meat adds flavor.
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Try grilling turkey tenderloin medallions or cutlets. Cook over high heat for juicy, tender results.
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Make curry, turkey tetrazzini, or turkey enchiladas with leftover roasted turkey.
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Slice breast meat thinly for sandwiches, wraps, and salads. It stays moister this way.
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Freeze any unused portions in vacuum seal bags or heavy duty foil for longer storage.
With proper handling, you can enjoy your hard-earned wild turkey for multiple meals. Those willing to work with its leanness and bold flavor are rewarded with a uniquely tasty meat.
Is Wild Turkey Better Than Domestic?
Whether wild turkey tastes better than domestic comes down to personal preference. Some love the rich, intense flavor of wild turkey and how it provides a real hunting-to-table eating experience. The meat reflects the bird’s rugged, natural lifestyle.
Others may find properly cooked domestic turkey more tender and mild flavored for their tastes. Domestic turkey is also much cheaper and easier to find.
In the end, it’s about enjoying high quality meat and making the most out of the ingredients you have. Wild or domestic, turkey provides healthy, delicious sustenance to celebrate the bounty of the land.
Just the Facts: Wild Turkey Meat vs Domestic Turkey
Wild turkeys feast on a varied diet that includes anything from seeds, acorns, and nuts to lizards, snails, and worms. This might not sound like the most appetizing feast to you and me, but for a turkey, the wild ones eat the best. Domestic turkey feed simply attempts to recreate the menu of wild turkey. The differences in diet are similar to what you find when looking at the nutrition of wild hogs vs domestic ones.
The biggest difference between wild turkey meat and domestic birds is in the fat content. Wild turkeys spend most of their lives moving from one place to another, flying up to roost in trees at night and avoid inevitable predators, giving these birds a more lean meat.
While domestic turkeys technically have more protein due to their controlled diet, they are also much higher in fat content because they dont get as much exercise as their wild cousins.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of turkey breast meat contains 29 grams of protein and 7 grams of fat. The same portion of wild turkey breasts offers 25 grams of protein but just 1 gram of fat. Darker meat from thighs and legs has even less fat but slightly less protein.
Both wild turkey meat and domestic turkey meat contain many important vitamins and nutrients so dont worry about whether or not wild turkey is good for you. Its more important to focus on learning the optimal way to cook the perfect wild turkey.
Best Ways to Cook Wild Turkey
Here is a little secret – one of the main reasons that wild turkey and regular turkey taste different is because of how they are cooked. Domestic turkey that you buy in the store is typically injected with salt water which adds weight and increases the juiciness, helping to prevent the finished bird from being too dry. Wild turkey, already significantly lower in fat, doesnt have the benefit of brine injection and tends to dry out easily.
With that in mind, you will want to adjust how you cook wild turkey to get the best results. When done right, wild turkey is the most delicious of game birds.
The key to properly cooking wild turkey starts from the moment you kill the bird. It is important to field dress the bird as soon as possible. Start by removing the innards and crop. Dont forget to remove the gland at the base of the tail while you are at it. Pluck the feathers while the bird is still warm. Youll use short, swift tugs to remove the feathers a few at a time. If you wait until the bird has cooled, youll likely end up tearing the skin quite a bit and that is simply a waste. Thoroughly wash and dry the bird before putting it in the refrigerator. Like any game animal, you want to complete this process and get it in the cooler as quickly as possible.
Brining wild turkey is one common method to help prevent the bird from drying out while cooking. Brine allows you to add herbs and flavors that enhance the finished flavor. Cooking an unbrined wild turkey is a bit of a challenge, but the results are awesome. The trick is to use plenty of butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. As a bonus, butter and olive oil will help wild turkey taste good and finish tender. Make sure to check out our favorite brine recipe for smoked turkey.
Wild turkey can also be done in a slow cooker to help improve juiciness. It isnt our favorite way to do it, but using a slow cooker will give you predictable results, especially when cooking wild turkey breast or skinny birds with strong muscles that taste dry.
No matter the cooking method you use when cooking turkey, youll need to aim for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Take the measurement in the thickest part of the thighs. It is often best to separate the breasts from the whole bird when cooking because they will cook faster than other parts and can dry out. The cooking process you use should be carefully monitored to prevent overcooking.
Wild Turkey Taste Test & Food Review
FAQ
Do wild turkeys taste good?
How do you make wild turkey not taste gamey?
Is wild turkey healthy to eat?
What is the difference between a wild turkey and a regular turkey?
What does wild turkey taste like?
All these elements contribute to their distinctive flavor profile. Wild turkey meat tastes earthy with notes of sweetness and nuttiness. It also tends to be slightly gamier than domestic turkey, making it ideal for those who prefer bold flavors. Another factor that affects the taste of wild turkey is how it’s cooked.
What is the difference between wild turkey and domestic turkey?
When it comes to taste, wild and domestic turkeys have distinct differences. Domestic turkey meat is often described as milder in flavor compared to its wild counterpart. Wild turkey, on the other hand, has a stronger, richer gamey taste that some people enjoy. One reason for these differences in taste could be attributed to diet.
Do all turkeys have the same flavor?
Many people assume that all turkeys have similar flavors, but this is not necessarily true. In fact, there are distinct differences in taste between these two types of birds. Wild turkeys are known for their gamey flavor and lean meat. They roam free in the outdoors, feeding on a variety of foods such as nuts, berries, and insects.
Why is wild turkey better than domestic turkey?
The meat of wild turkey tends to be leaner and richer in taste than that of domestic birds. This is largely due to the fact that wild turkeys are free-range animals, which means they have access to a more varied diet.