What Is A Turkey Leg? A Closer Look At This Carnival Favorite

Turkey legs are a staple snack at carnivals, fairs, and theme parks across America. But what exactly are these giant, meaty legs? Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of a turkey leg, how they are prepared, and why they are so popular.

The Anatomy of a Turkey Leg

A turkey leg is comprised of two parts of the turkey’s lower body – the thigh and the drumstick

The thigh is the upper part of the leg, while the drumstick is the lower part below the knee joint. When attached to the whole turkey, the thigh bone connects to the body at the hip joint

Turkey legs served at fairs and carnivals typically include both the thigh and drumstick portions. A whole leg from a mature tom turkey can weigh 1-2.5 pounds.

The thigh contains more bone than the drumstick, as it contains a femur bone. The drumstick contains only the tibia bone.

Both parts are considered dark meat, which means they contain more fat and flavor than white breast meat. The skin is left on for added crispiness and flavor.

How Turkey Legs Are Prepared

To achieve the signature taste, turkey legs need to be brined and smoked before being grilled or roasted.

• Brining: The legs are soaked in a salty, sugary brine which helps keep the meat juicy while adding flavor. The brine often contains brown sugar, salt, garlic, and spices.

• Smoking: After brining, the legs are smoked for 1-2 hours over low heat. This infuses a lovely smoky flavor and starts the cooking process.

• Grilling or roasting: Finally, the legs are finished by grilling or roasting at high heat to char and crisp the skin. This last step warms them through completely.

The combination of brining, smoking, and high heat produces a turkey leg with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, ultra crispy skin, and a slightly ham-like flavor from the brine.

Why Are Turkey Legs So Popular?

There are several reasons turkey legs have become a staple festival and theme park snack:

• Portability – Since they are eaten by hand, turkey legs are easy to carry around while walking between rides and attractions.

• Meatiness – Each leg provides a substantial amount of meat, making themextra filling and protein-packed.

• Flavor – The savory, smokey flavor profile is bold and satisfying.

• Novelty – Giant turkey legs feel fun, primal, and indulgent.

• Nostalgia – They evoke happy memories of childhood trips to theme parks and county fairs.

• Instagrammability – Turkey legs photograph beautifully and look impressive on social media feeds.

Pop Culture Fame – Being featured at Disney parks helped turkey legs go mainstream. Celebrities like Zachary Levi have helped fuel buzz.

Price – Although prices have risen over the years, turkey legs remain under $15, making them a decent value compared to other park foods.

So while turkey legs have humble origins at Renaissance fairs, their taste, portion size, and nostalgic flair have made them an American favorite. They satisfy carnivorous cravings in a portable, fun-to-eat package.

Turkey Leg Recipes To Make At Home

Want to recreate the carnival experience at home? Here are some recipes to make perfect smoked turkey legs on your own grill:

• Brine the legs overnight in a simple brown sugar and salt brine. This infuses flavor and moisture.

• Smoke the brined legs with hickory, mesquite, or apple wood for 1-2 hours at 225-250 degrees F.

• Finish by grilling over high heat for about 15 minutes each side to get the skin crispy.

• For more flavor, try injecting the brined legs with a flavorful marinade before smoking them. Cajun seasoning or garlic herb marinade work well.

• Coat the legs with your favorite barbecue dry rub or sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.

With the right preparation, you can enjoy tender, juicy, smoky turkey legs from your backyard. Invite over family and friends for a turkey leg feast!

The Bottom Line

While turkey legs may look like caveman fare, they are actually carefully prepared using brining, smoking, and high-heat cooking to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Their popularity stems from portability, meatiness, bold flavor, nostalgia, and fun. With the right recipes and techniques, you can make restaurant-quality turkey legs at home. So embrace your inner carnivore and sink your teeth into this iconic carnival treat!