Does Butterball Turkey Have Butter In It?

Butterball is one of the most popular and recognizable brands of turkey in the United States. With the holiday season coming up, many home cooks are wondering – does Butterball turkey contain actual butter? Despite the name, the simple answer is no. But how did this famous poultry brand get its rich, creamy moniker if there’s no butter used in their products? Let’s find out the origin of the Butterball name and how these turkeys get their signature juiciness instead.

A Brief History of the Butterball Brand

The Butterball brand began in 1940 when a woman named Ada Walker from Wyoming Ohio trademarked the name. The inspiration behind the creamy handle remains unclear though it was likely meant to emphasize the tender and moist qualities of her turkeys. In the 1950s, the Butterball trademark was leased by large food manufacturer Swift & Co. who helped popularize frozen Butterball turkeys. For decades, the brand changed hands between various food corporations like ConAgra and Maxwell Farms.

Today, Butterball turkeys are produced by Butterball, LLC, a joint venture between Seaboard Foods and Maxwell Farms that acquired the brand in 2006 and 2010 Despite the rich-sounding name, there’s no actual butter added to Butterball birds The name is simply a brand and marketing technique to highlight the juicy flavor people have come to expect from these famous turkeys.

How Butterball Turkeys Get Their Signature Moistness

So if Butterball turkeys don’t contain butter how do they get their signature juiciness? The secret is a process called “deep basting.” Deep basting involves carefully injecting the turkey meat with a saltwater solution. This liquid contains common household spices and seasonings handpicked by Butterball’s culinary experts.

By strategically injecting the solution deep into the turkey’s meat, it tenderizes the bird from the inside out. As the turkey cooks, the liquid blends with the natural juices and distributes the savory flavors throughout. This results in a wonderfully moist, well-seasoned turkey without needing to actually add any butter or continually baste the poultry as it roasts.

The ingredients in the proprietary deep basting solution are somewhat of a company secret. However, Butterball states that the blend contains water, salt, and a balance of natural herbs and spices. While the exact components may vary between blends, typical herbs used include sage, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Savory spices like black pepper, onion powder, and garlic are also commonly used.

Benefits of Deep Basting vs. External Basting

Compared to just basting the exterior of the turkey while it cooks, deep basting provides more complete moisture and flavor. Basting only hydrates and seasons the surface, often resulting in drier, unevenly cooked meat inside. Deep basting ensures juiciness in every bite without having to continually reapply coating while the turkey roasts.

The deep injection method also allows the solution to reach the innermost muscles. This guarantees even distribution of seasonings, unlike external basting where the outer areas soak up the majority of moisture and taste. With deep basting, the aromatics fully blend with the turkey’s natural juices to provide a uniform eating experience.

Of course, home cooks can still choose to occasionally baste the exterior of a Butterball turkey for additional browning and surface flavor. But the deep basting process eliminates the need for constant hands-on basting to achieve a juicy bird from the inside out.

Health Benefits of Eating Butterball Turkey

Aside from tenderness and delicious taste, Butterball turkey offers some healthy advantages too:

• Lean protein source – Turkey is naturally low in fat and calories while still providing satisfying protein with all essential amino acids. A 4 oz. serving of Butterball turkey breast meat contains 21g protein with just 3g saturated fat and 170 calories.

• Lower cholesterol – Turkey contains less cholesterol compared to other meats like beef. The American Heart Association certifies Butterball turkeys for their impressively low cholesterol levels.

• Versatile ingredient – Ground turkey is a nutritious substitute for recipes calling for ground beef while turkey cutlets, sausage, and cold cuts make healthy sandwich fillings and snacks.

• Gluten-free – Butterball turkeys are certified gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

• No artificial hormones – Butterball uses no added hormones or steroids in their turkeys, satisfying consumers seeking more natural poultry.

How to Cook a Juicy Butterball Turkey

For the juiciest results when cooking a whole Butterball turkey:

• Thaw completely in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking to allow the deep basting solution to fully penetrate.

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

• Rub the skin with olive oil or coat with nonstick spray for crispiness (no other basting needed).

• Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over browning.

• Roast approximately 13 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches 165°F.

• Let rest 30 minutes before carving for perfectly juicy meat.

The deep basting technique makes Butterball one of the most convenient and flavorful turkey choices for holiday meals and Sunday dinners. While these famous birds contain no actual butter, their savory taste and moist texture make them a delicious option for any turkey lover.

So this holiday season, skip the melted butter and enjoy a tender Butterball turkey cooked to golden brown perfection. With quality turkeys and cooking know-how, you’ll have a picture-perfect bird without any hassle.