How to Tell Your Thanksgiving Turkey’s Gender with One Bite

Thanksgiving isn’t just a feast; it’s a mirror reflecting some of society’s more subtle quirks. Take your turkey, for instance—did you know your preferences for its age and gender might reveal more about human behavior than you’d expect?

What Your Turkey Preferences Say About Society

Ah, Thanksgiving: the time of year when families gather to feast, argue about politics, and praise or criticize whoever roasted the bird. But have you ever stopped mid-bite to think about the turkey's age or gender? Turns out, society’s taste in turkeys might reflect more about us than we’d like to admit.

Why Old Hens Are Out of the Picture

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Young hens are the star of Thanksgiving because they’re tender and juicy—qualities that make them more palatable to the masses. Older hens? Too tough. It’s almost like we’ve collectively decided their time is up, and that’s the price of being deemed "too seasoned."

Tom Turkeys: They Get Better With Age

Meanwhile, toms (male turkeys) get a different treatment. Younger toms are often written off as stringy, while their older counterparts are lauded for their rich flavor. So, if you’re feasting on a tom, chances are you’re enjoying the wisdom and depth of a turkey that’s seen some things.

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Is Turkey the Mirror to Our Soul?

Maybe it’s harmless tradition, or maybe it’s another way we value youth, gender, and surface-level appeal. So, next Thanksgiving, while you’re carving the bird, take a moment to consider this: your perfect turkey may just be society’s bias on a plate.

Thank you, Old Farmer's Almanac

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