When preparing a delicious turkey breast for your next meal, you may be wondering – does a turkey breast come with giblets? The short answer is – it depends. Some turkey breasts are sold with the giblets included, while others do not contain them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at turkey giblets, when they are typically included with a turkey breast, and how to use them if you get them
What are Turkey Giblets?
Turkey giblets refer to the internal organs of the turkey that are considered edible. The most common giblets found inside a whole turkey or turkey breast include:
-
Neck – This is often used to make broth or stock.
-
Heart – Adds texture and flavor to gravy or stuffing.
-
Liver – Provides a rich, irony taste for gravy.
-
Gizzard – Has a chewy texture and bold flavor. Used in soups or gravy.
These organs add a depth of flavor when making gravy, broth, or stock from scratch. While some people enjoy eating the giblets as well, they are more commonly used to enhance the flavor of other dishes.
Why Some Turkey Breasts Include Giblets
There are a few reasons why some turkey breasts are sold with the giblets included:
Tradition
Including giblets with a turkey breast is a long-standing tradition for holiday meals or special occasions. The giblets allow cooks to make richly flavored gravy, stock and other dishes to accompany the turkey. Many customers expect to get the giblets to uphold this cooking custom.
Added Value
For customers looking to get the most value for their money, turkey breasts sold with giblets included provides added ingredients for the same price as turkey alone. The giblets can be used right away or frozen for future use.
Flavor Enhancement
As mentioned above, the giblets infuse dishes like gravy and broth with more turkey flavor. Some butchers or suppliers include them so cooks can easily make turkey dishes with enhanced taste.
Specialty Turkeys
Higher-end, specialty turkey breasts like free-range, organic, or heritage breeds often come with giblets. This helps justify the higher price tag and provides more cooking options.
Cook’s Preference
Many butchers will include giblets with a turkey breast upon request. Customers planning to use the giblets will specifically ask for them.
Why Some Turkey Breasts Don’t Contain Giblets
On the other hand, there are also a number of reasons why some turkey breasts are sold without the giblets:
Reduced Cost
Turkey breasts sold without giblets are typically a bit more affordable or reduced in price. This caters towards budget-conscious customers.
Mass Production
In large turkey processing plants, giblets are often removed and reserved for other uses. The turkey breast is then packaged giblet-free to streamline production.
Limited Demand
If a supplier sells more turkey breasts than whole turkeys, there may be lower demand for giblets overall. Leaving them out reduces waste and cost.
Food Safety
Some facilities opt to remove giblets at the processing stage to avoid any food contamination during storage and transport.
Customer Preference
Those who have no use for giblets may actively seek out turkey breasts without them. This minimizes unused ingredients or waste.
Leaner Product
Turkey breasts sold without giblets contain slightly less fat and calories per serving. This appeals to health-conscious consumers.
So in many cases, giblets are excluded from turkey breasts for production, cost savings, or health reasons. Customers not utilizing giblets also prefer having them removed.
How to Tell if a Turkey Breast Includes Giblets
Because some turkey breasts contain giblets while others don’t, it’s important know how to identify if they’re included:
-
Read the packaging – Any giblets will be listed on the label ingredients if they are present.
-
Look for plastic packaging – Giblets are usually wrapped in plastic and placed inside the cavity before packaging.
-
Feel the weight – Breasts with giblets often feel slightly heavier.
-
Ask the retailer or butcher – They should be able to tell you if giblets are included.
-
Order specific turkey breasts – You can request turkey breasts with or without giblets.
Checking for giblets ahead of time allows you to adjust recipes and cooking plans accordingly.
How to Use Turkey Giblets
If your turkey breast does come with giblets, here are some delicious ways you can put them to use:
-
Make gravy – Simmer the neck, gizzard and heart in broth, then chop and add to your gravy.
-
Prepare stuffing – Sauté the heart and liver to add rich flavor to bread stuffing.
-
Infuse flavor in soup – Add chopped gizzard, heart and neck meat to turkey noodle soup.
-
Whip up broth or stock – Simmer the neck, heart and gizzard in water with vegetables to create a flavorful broth.
-
Sear the liver – Cook the liver in butter or oil for 1-2 minutes per side for a tender, irony bite.
-
Saute the heart – Thinly slice and cook the heart in olive oil to serve as an appetizer or snack.
With so many possibilities, turkey giblets are a versatile addition to your kitchen if included with your turkey breast. Get creative and make the most of them!
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Giblets
Here are answers to some common questions about turkey giblets and turkey breasts:
Are turkey giblets safe to eat?
Yes, turkey giblets are safe to consume when cleaned and cooked thoroughly. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I freeze unused giblets?
Absolutely. Place cleaned giblets in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for 3-4 months.
How long do fresh giblets last refrigerated?
Kept at 40°F or below, fresh giblets will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cook within this timeline for best quality.
Do organic or free-range turkeys come with giblets?
Sometimes, though it’s becoming more common for them to be sold without. Check the packaging to confirm either way.
Should I remove the giblets before cooking a turkey breast?
Yes, you’ll want to take giblets out prior to cooking. Discard the paper packaging as well.
Can I make gravy using only the giblets?
You can, but gravy made with just the giblets has a very strong flavor. Combining with turkey drippings is best.
What’s the healthiest part of the giblets to eat?
The heart and liver are packed with nutrients like iron, zinc copper, and B vitamins. The liver has the most nutrients overall.
How can I tell if giblets have gone bad?
Signs of spoiled giblets include a foul smell, slimy texture, or discolored appearance. When in doubt, throw them out.
Is the turkey neck considered a giblet?
No, the neck is not technically a giblet. Giblets only refer to the organs like heart, liver, and gizzard.
Putting Giblets to Good Use
While not all turkey breasts come with them, giblets can add value and flavor if included with your turkey. Now that you know what to look for, how to use them, and key storage and food safety tips, you can feel ready to put those turkey giblets to delicious use. Whip up an amazing gravy, enrich your soup and take your turkey dishes to new heights.
