Are Turkey Giblets Good for You? A Nutritious Addition to Your Holiday Meal

As you prepare your holiday turkey, you may find a bag of odd-looking turkey parts tucked inside the body cavity. These turkey giblets, while foreign to some cooks, are actually quite nutritious and delicious when prepared properly Let’s explore why you shouldn’t discard these strange pieces, and how to incorporate them into a healthy holiday meal.

What Are Turkey Giblets?

Turkey giblets are the edible internal organs of a turkey, typically including the gizzard, heart, liver and neck. The gizzard is a muscular stomach that aids the bird in grinding up food. The heart pumps blood and the liver performs important metabolic functions The neck provides extra meat and cartilage

These nutrient-dense odd bits add rich flavor when added to gravies, stuffing and other dishes. However, many home cooks discard them due to uncertainty about preparation and consumption. Yet enhancing your holiday meal with giblets provides a wealth of nutritional benefits.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Turkey Giblets

Don’t let these unusual turkey parts go to waste! Here are 5 great reasons to eat your giblets:

• Packed with Protein – Giblets provide around 8 grams of satisfying protein per 3 ounce serving. The amino acids support muscle growth and healthy bodily functions.

• High in Iron – Turkey livers are an excellent source of iron, which aids in oxygen transport and energy production. Just 3 ounces delivers around 5mg.

• Vitamin A Powerhouse – Giblet livers provide a whopping 438% DV of vitamin A per serving! This aids eye health, immune function and cell communication.

• Contains CoQ10 – Giblet hearts boast coenzyme Q10, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and generates energy in cells.

• Rich in B Vitamins – Giblets supply a spectrum of B vitamins to support nerve signaling, hormone production, heart health and energy levels.

Clearly, incorporating giblets into your holiday turkey offers tremendous nutritional value. But how exactly should you prepare them?

Tips for Cooking Turkey Giblets

With a bit of prep, turkey giblets can transform into delicious additions to your holiday spread. Here are some tips:

• Rinse giblets well and pat dry. Remove any membranes or discolored spots.

• Place in a pot, cover with water and simmer for 30 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

• Once cooked, dice the giblets. Chop the liver finely since it has a more intense flavor.

• Sauté chopped giblets with aromatics like onion, garlic and celery until browned.

• Add cooked giblets to stuffing, gravy or casseroles for rich, meaty flavor and nutrients.

• For a quick snack, sear sliced giblets in olive oil with salt and pepper for turkey giblet “jerky”.

With proper preparation, these unassuming turkey bits can be an elegant, nutritious addition to menus. Still not convinced to eat your giblets? Consider these creative alternatives:

Alternative Uses for Turkey Giblets

For the squeamish, there are other ways to make use of these nutrient-packed turkey parts beyond direct consumption:

• Simmer giblets in water with vegetables to make an enriched turkey stock for soups or gravy. Strain out giblets before use.

• Stuff the neck cavity with aromatics like lemon, rosemary and sage. The turkey neck will infuse flavor into the breast meat.

• Feed cooked giblets to your dog for a protein boost. Just be sure to cool fully and remove any bones first.

• Bury discarded giblets in your garden. As they decompose, they’ll fertilize the soil with nitrogen and minerals.

• Use liver to bait traps for catching problematic pests, such as mink, raccoons or rodents.

So don’t let these healthy, flavorful turkey giblets go to waste this holiday season. With proper cooking methods and a bit of creativity, they can become a nutritious and delicious part of your celebratory meal.