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June is here and it's time to celebrate Turkey Lovers Month! Did you know that turkeys have been a part of American history since the early 1500s? These birds were originally domesticated by Native Americans and have become a staple in many holiday meals. But turkey isn't just reserved for Thanksgiving – there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this versatile protein all month long. So let's give thanks for these feathered friends and explore some tasty recipes to satisfy our love for turkey!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Turkeys Introduced to Europe</div><div class='timeline-text'>Turkeys were first domesticated by the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America. Spanish colonizers brought turkeys back to Europe from the Americas in the early 1500s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1621</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Thanksgiving</div><div class='timeline-text'>While it's unclear whether turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the bird became a common centerpiece at later Thanksgiving feasts in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Thanksgiving Established Nationally</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, solidifying turkey's importance in American holiday traditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Presidential Turkey Pardon</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of the U.S. President pardoning a turkey started in 1947 with President Harry Truman, adding to the cultural prominence of the turkey in American festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Turkey Lovers Month Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Turkey Lovers Month was established by the National Turkey Federation in 1989 to encourage the consumption of turkey throughout the year, not just at Thanksgiving.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Beyond Thanksgiving: Turkey Recipes Evolve</div><div class='timeline-text'>Throughout the early 21st century, the versatility of turkey has been celebrated with recipes for every season, making it a staple protein source in American diets beyond traditional holiday dishes.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Turkey-themed potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a potluck where everyone has to bring a dish that incorporates turkey in some way. From turkey sandwiches to turkey chili, get creative and have fun trying different dishes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a Turkey Hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a scavenger hunt with a turkey theme. Hide small plastic or stuffed turkeys around the house or neighborhood and give clues to help participants find them. The winner can receive a prize, such as a gift card to their favorite turkey restaurant.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a new Turkey recipe each week</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself to try a new turkey recipe every week during Turkey Lovers Month. This could be anything from a classic Thanksgiving roast turkey to more unique dishes like turkey burgers or turkey lasagna. Get adventurous and expand your palette.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Turkey festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Do some research and see if there are any Turkey festivals happening in your area during the month. If so, gather some friends and go check it out! You can sample different turkey dishes, learn about the history of turkey, and participate in fun activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a Turkey movie marathon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends or family and have a movie night featuring films with turkeys as main characters or themes. Some options could include "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," "Free Birds," or "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," which famously features a turkey as a sidekick.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Turkey is a lean and healthy protein source</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Turkey is packed with essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins. It's also lower in fat and calories compared to other meats, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There are endless ways to enjoy turkey</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From traditional Thanksgiving feasts to sandwiches, soups, and salads, there are countless ways to enjoy turkey. You can get creative with leftovers or try new recipes that use turkey as the main ingredient - the possibilities are endless!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Turkey is often associated with coming together for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But why limit this delicious meat to just a few holidays? Celebrate Turkey Lovers Month by gathering your loved ones and enjoying some delicious turkey dishes together!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Turkeys Can Recognize Each Other by Their Voices</h3><p class='facts-content'>In their natural habitat, turkeys live in social hierarchies and can recognize each other's voices, demonstrating a level of social coordination and communication that surprises many people.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Turkeys Can Run at Speeds of Up to 20 Miles Per Hour</h3><p class='facts-content'>These birds are not just for the dinner table! Turkeys are fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, nearly as fast as an average horse!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Turkey Was Once Considered for the National Bird of the United States</h3><p class='facts-content'>Benjamin Franklin even praised the turkey as being a uniquely American bird and was disappointed when the bald eagle was chosen as the country's national bird instead.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There Are Wild and Domestic Turkey Variations</h3><p class='facts-content'>While domestic turkeys are bred for their plentiful white breast meat, wild turkeys are slimmer and more agile, with dark feathers and a diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, and small insects.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gobbles Aren't Just From the Guys</h3><p class='facts-content'>While male turkeys (toms) are known for their iconic gobbles, female turkeys (hens) can gobble too. However, hens commonly make a clicking noise whereas toms usually resort to gobbles to attract potential mates.</p></div></div>
Turkey Lovers Month is celebrated on June 1 every year. In 2024, Turkey Lovers Month will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Jun 1
Thursday
2024
Jun 1
Saturday
2025
Jun 1
Sunday
2026
Jun 1
Monday
2027
Jun 1
Tuesday
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