Locating the Elusive Keel Bone on a Turkey

The keel bone is an important yet often overlooked part of a turkey’s anatomy. This slender, spear-shaped bone runs down the center of a turkey’s breastbone, providing structure and support. While easy to spot on a whole turkey, locating the keel bone on breast meat and other turkey parts takes some knowledge and skill.

What is the Keel Bone?

The keel bone, also known as the carina or breastbone, is a central structure found on all birds It extends outward from the sternum and runs axially along the midline. On a live turkey, the keel bone is surrounded by the pectoralis major muscles, which make up the larger portion of the breast meat

In simple terms, the keel bone is like the turkey’s skeleton from which the breast meat hangs. It provides anchor points for large muscle groups and connects the bird’s wings to its body. The keel bone also houses organs related to respiration.

Why Remove the Keel Bone?

There are several reasons why cooks debone turkey breasts and other cuts by removing the keel bone:

• Even cooking: The keel bone is quite thick and dense. Removing it allows the turkey breast to cook more evenly.

• Easier eating: Turkey bones can make carving tricky and pose a choking hazard. Deboning makes servings easier to portion and consume.

• Versatility: Boneless turkey breasts are easier to slice, pound, roll, and stuff for a wide array of recipes.

• Appearance A boneless breast makes for a more elegant presentation whether roasted whole or sliced for sandwiches

Locating the Keel Bone on a Whole Turkey

On a whole raw turkey, the keel bone is easy to find since it’s exposed. Just flip the turkey over breast side down. The keel bone runs along the midline of the breastbone in a triangular shape, wider at the top near the neck and tapering towards the tail.

The bone itself will be gray-white or pink, depending on the age of the bird. Older birds have harder, more calcified bones that are chalky white.

Finding the Keel Bone on a Turkey Breast

Once the breast has been removed from the turkey, visually locating the keel bone becomes trickier. Here’s how to find it:

• Place the breast skin side down on a cutting board. The tapered end should be facing away from you.

• Make a vertical cut down the center to open up the meat. Cut progressively deeper until you hit the bone.

• The widest, thickest bone you encounter will be the keel bone. It has a distinct triangular shape.

• Trace along the bone with your finger to map out the full structure.

Removing the Keel Bone from a Turkey Breast

To remove the keel bone:

• Make a vertical cut down the center of the breast to expose the bone.

• Locate the keel bone and slice through the cartilage above it.

• Bend the breast backward to pop out the bone.

• Use your hands and knife tip to detach the bone from the surrounding meat and cartilage.

• Pull the keel bone out completely.

• Go back and remove any remaining cartilage or small bone fragments.

Finding the Keel Bone in Other Turkey Parts

The keel bone may still be present in some packaged turkey parts:

Turkey wings: The keel bone creates the flat, wide “arm” part of the wing. Remove it where the wing bends.

Turkey drumsticks: Check the thick end that attaches to the body. The keel bone may be intact or partially removed.

Ground turkey: Ground meat contains small bone fragments throughout. These likely include bits of keel bone.

Pre-cooked turkey: The keel bone is typically removed from deli meats and processed products. But always check for bones.

Why Save the Turkey Keel Bone?

Don’t throw that keel bone in the trash! Roasted turkey bones make a nutrient-rich base for broths and gravies. Simmer the bones to extract gelatin, minerals, and concentrated turkey flavor.

The flat, wide keel bone also makes an ornamental keepsake. Etch and decorate it to create a unique souvenir of your holiday meal.

So next time you prepare a turkey, take a minute to locate and remove the keel bone. Your cooking and eating will be easier, and you’ll have delicious turkey stock in the making!