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This Thanksgiving, don't eat turkey. There...I said it. Sure, it seems like everyone eats a the bird on the last Thursday in November but since when is following the crowd a green tenet? From childhood, we see images of shiny happy turkeys as Thanksgiving approaches. I'd love to replace those images with photos from real turkey farms and see how perceptions shift. Not so tranquil, ay Pilgrim?
If only we knew a little more about this amazing bird. Then, instead of being targeted for our plates, the turkey could hold a well-deserved place of honor--like the bald eagle. Well, here goes nothing...
A Dozen Reasons to Appreciate Turkeys and Celebrate a Bird-Free Holiday
1. Turkeys are older than us
Evidence indicates that turkeys have been around for over 10 million years.
2. Why restrict flying freedom?
Domesticated turkeys cannot fly but wild turkeys can soar at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. If we stopped eating turkeys and turkey farms became unnecessary, eventually all turkeys would be able to fly.
3. Turkeys are faster than us (except maybe Usain Bolt)
Wild turkeys can run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
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4. Turkeys speak two languages
Male turkeys (toms) gobble. Females (hens) make a clicking noise. I'd like to imagine that female sound is more of a "tsk, tsk" aimed at the strutting toms.
5. Turkeys have got the whole feather thing down
Mature turkeys have roughly 3,500 of 'em.
6. Turkeys defy logic
They have great hearing skills...but no ears.
7. Turkeys see more than us
They can see in colors, have excellent visual acuity, and their field of vision spans across about 270 degrees.
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8. It's all about the Benjamins
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be chosen as America's national symbol instead of the eagle.
9. We try to move like turkeys
You've heard of the "Turkey Trot," right?
10. But turkeys dance way better than us
They can really cut a rug.
11. There are hidden ingredients in every turkey meal
From pollution to dangerous working conditions to potential pandemics to animal cruelty--none of this is listed on the label, of course.
12. Why eat a turkey when so many better alternatives exist?
For example:
- Tofurkey Roast
- Unturkey
- Veggie Turkey Breast With Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing
- Seitan Loaf
- Raw Thanksgiving options
Good first step:
Video: Emeril Green: Emeril's Lentil Loaf
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