Tracing the Origins: Where Do Turkey Chops Come From?

Turkey chops have become a popular alternative to traditional pork chops providing a lighter healthier option for meals. But despite their growing popularity, some people are still unsure exactly where these tasty turkey cuts come from. In this article, we’ll trace the origins of turkey chops to understand where they are cut from and how they are produced.

What Are Turkey Chops?

Turkey chops are essentially sliced cuts taken from the breast of a whole turkey. They contain a section of rib bone and are sliced diagonally across the grain of the breast meat. Turkey chops usually weigh between 4-8 ounces each.

The best turkey chops are juicy, flavorful and tender When cooked properly, they can be just as delicious as pork chops, chicken, or steak The main advantage of turkey chops is that they are lower in fat and calories compared to other meat options.

Where on the Turkey Do Chops Come From?

Turkey chops originate from the breast meat of a whole turkey The breast is the largest part of the turkey and where most of the white meat is found.

To produce chops, the whole boneless turkey breast is portioned into smaller roasts. These turkey breast roasts are then sliced diagonally across the grain into chops. The chops contain a small section of the rib bone for added flavor.

Heritage and wild turkeys typically have smaller breasts than commercial broad-breasted turkeys that are raised for maximum meat yield. The size of the original breast determines the size and thickness of the resulting turkey chops.

Why Cut Turkey Breast Into Chops?

There are a few reasons why turkey breast is portioned into individual chops rather than left whole:

• Smaller portions: Chops provide ready-to-cook portions ideal for individuals or smaller families. A whole turkey breast roast can be large.

• Faster cooking: Sliced thinner, turkey chops cook faster than roasting a whole breast. Chops take 15-25 minutes to cook thoroughly.

• Added flavor: The chops contain a small rib bone which adds extra flavor and juiciness as the meat cooks.

• Versatility: Chops are extremely versatile for grilling, sautéing, baking, or breading and frying. Their uniform shape makes them easy to cook.

Where Are Turkey Chops Sold?

Turkey chops have grown in availability and can now be readily found at most major grocery stores. Fresh turkey chops are usually stocked alongside other fresh poultry like chicken and pork.

Many butcher shops and online specialty retailers also sell high-quality turkey chops produced by smaller poultry suppliers. These premium turkey chops are sometimes sold as “turkey steaks”.

For the best selection, purchase turkey chops 1-2 days before you plan to cook them. Look for plump, moist chops without any dry spots or discoloration.

How Are Commercial Turkey Chops Produced?

Most commercial turkey chops sold in supermarkets come from large turkey processing facilities. Here is a general overview of how they are mass-produced:

• Turkeys are raised on farms until they reach target weight.

• Once fully grown, turkeys are transported to processing plants.

• The turkeys are slaughtered and defeathered automatically.

• Workers remove the head, feet, and internal organs.

• The whole turkey is then chilled in cold water tanks.

• Turkeys are further cleaned and sanitized before the breast meat is removed by machine.

• Breasts are individually portioned into roasts and chops by specialized poultry processing equipment. The rib bones are kept intact on some chops.

• Chops are packaged, weighed, and labeled for retail sale. They are kept chilled during processing and transport.

This mass commercial production allows turkey chops to be widely available at a lower cost than specialty gourmet chops. However, smaller turkey farms employ more traditional whole turkey butchering methods to produce premium artisanal turkey chops.

So next time you enjoy a tasty turkey chop dinner, you can appreciate the long journey that little cut of meat made from farm to table!