The two types of turkey meat that everyone likes are white turkey meat and dark turkey meat. And theres no time like holidays to debate which is best.
You might dig into the plentiful pile of turkey breast, which is typically considered the “healthier” choice. You can probably eat more turkey that way, right?.
Or maybe you gravitate toward the thigh meat or enter into the who-gets-one-of-the-drumsticks lottery. Both parts are widely regarded as the moister choices.
If you want to argue about which is tastier, save that for Thanksgiving. Today, clinical dietitian Emma Willingham at Houston Methodist is here to tell you if one cut of meat is really healthier than the other.
Turkey is a popular centerpiece for holiday meals and sandwiches. But there is often confusion around whether to classify it as white or red meat. The distinction matters to some diners for cultural, health or personal reasons. So which is it? Let’s take a closer look at how turkey compares to other meats.
How Meats Are Classified
There are a few ways meats get categorized as red or white:
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Appearance – Red meats like beef and lamb are reddish when uncooked. White meats like turkey and chicken appear pale.
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Myoglobin – Red meats have higher levels of myoglobin, a protein responsible for the red color.
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Nutrition – Red meats are higher in saturated fat while white meats are leaner.
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Culinary Uses – Red meats are often grilled or roasted while white meats can be poached or braised.
So turkey’s nutritional profile and cooking methods line up more with chicken in the white meat category But some of the criteria get confusing, Let’s analyze further
Turkey’s Appearance and Myoglobin Content
When you look at an uncooked turkey breast, it is pinkish-beige in color, not deep red like beef. And the thigh meat has slightly more color than the breast
This lighter color indicates lower myoglobin levels compared to red meats. But turkey thighs do contain more myoglobin than chicken legs.
So while not as deeply red as beef, turkey has a bit more color than chicken due to somewhat higher iron and myoglobin in the darker thigh meat.
Nutritional Profile of Turkey
The nutritional qualities of turkey breast meat are similar to chicken breast. Let’s compare 3 ounces of each:
- Turkey Breast: 140 calories, 25g protein, 3g fat, 0g carbs
- Chicken Breast: 140 calories, 27g protein, 3g fat, 0g carbs
Both are high in protein, low in fat, and contain no carbs. The saturated fat and cholesterol levels are similar as well.
Turkey thighs with skin are slightly higher in calories, fat and cholesterol compared to chicken legs. But the differences are quite small.
In terms of nutrients, turkey provides niacin, vitamin B6, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. The nutritional qualities are broadly similar to chicken.
Cooking Methods for Turkey
Most turkey cuts are lean, tender and mild in flavor. The white meat is extremely versatile, taking on the flavors of sauces or rubs. This makes turkey breast ideal for grilling, baking, sautéing, smoking and poaching.
The legs and thighs have slightly more fat and connective tissue. They work well for roasting, braising, grilling or simmering in soups or stews.
So the cooking methods for turkey align more with chicken than the red meats that are often grilled over high heat or roasted in the oven.
Cultural Associations with Turkey
Historically in the Americas, wild turkey was hunted by Native Americans before being domesticated in Europe. Today it retains an association with autumn harvest meals and nostalgic family traditions.
The turkey also became entwined with early Thanksgiving mythology as a bounty of the New World. So it represents comfort, home and tradition to many American families.
Health Benefits of Turkey
With its lean protein and versatility, turkey became popularized as a healthy alternative to red meat. The white vs red meat distinction matters to some health-conscious consumers.
Compared to red meats like beef and lamb, turkey is lower in:
- Saturated Fat
- Cholesterol
- Calories
- Iron
For these reasons, turkey and other white meats are often recommended for heart health. The fat content is considered more appropriate for cholesterol management.
However, newer research indicates that fresh red meat has been falsely maligned, and is not clearly linked to heart disease or cholesterol when consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Still, turkey remains a lean protein option with a mild flavor profile. Just don’t assume it has magical properties beyond other meats.
Is Turkey White Meat or Red Meat?
While there are some shades of grey with the color and myoglobin levels, turkey aligns more closely with chicken in the white meat category based on:
- Appearance when raw
- Low saturated fat and cholesterol
- High protein with little fat
- Subtle flavor
- Versatile cooking methods
- Cultural traditions
The distinction matters mostly for symbolic reasons rather than clear nutritional demarcations. But diners may choose turkey over red meats for health perceptions, religious restrictions, or personal preferences.
So the next time turkey is on the menu, you can confidently classify it as a white meat similar to chicken. But don’t be afraid to also enjoy red meats in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With proper cooking, all meats can be enjoyed as part of healthy lifestyle.
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What’s the difference between white meat and dark meat?
The main difference between white meat and dark meat is where on the bird the meat comes from.
“The darker the meat, the more myoglobin it contains,” says Willingham. “Myoglobin is the protein found in muscle tissue that carries oxygen. In turkeys and chickens, dark meat is sourced from the leg or thigh. In these places, these animals carry more myoglobin to help get oxygen to their muscles while they run. They need their exercise, too!”.
White meat includes:
- Breast meat
- Breast tenders
- Wings
Dark meat includes:
Is turkey considered a red meat?
FAQ
Is turkey considered white meat?
Which is healthier, turkey or chicken?
Is turkey healthier than red meat?
Is its turkey red meat?
Is turkey meat red or white?
Is Turkey Meat White or Red? Red meat is the myoglobin-rich muscle meat of mammals, such as cows, pigs, goats, and sheep, while white meat is lower in myoglobin and lighter in color. White meat is known as the meat of poultry and fish. Turkey meat, being poultry, is naturally classified as white meat.
Should Turkey meat be classified as white meat?
Turkey meat is classified as white meat. This is because turkey meat has a light color and a low fat content. However, some people argue that turkey meat should be classified as red meat because it comes from a bird. Arguments for and against classifying turkey meat as white or red meat
Is turkey meat healthier than red meat?
If turkey meat is classified as white meat, it will be considered to be a healthier option than red meat. This is because white meat is lower in fat and calories than red meat. However, if turkey meat is classified as red meat, it will be considered to be less healthy than white meat.
What is considered red meat?
Distinguishing between the age of the animal, gastronomy considers meat from adult mammals as red meat. This includes beef, horse, mutton, venison, boar, and hare. While young mammal meat including rabbit, veal, and lamb may be considered white meat along with poultry and fish. Pork and duck are gray area meats.
Is meat red or white?
That’s because the fields of nutritional science and the culinary arts both use arbitrary and contradictory criteria to classify meat as red or white. A basic rule of thumb is that if it’s a mammal, it is red meat, while poultry, fish, and seafood are considered white meat.
Is duck a white meat?
While young mammal meat including rabbit, veal, and lamb may be considered white meat along with poultry and fish. Pork and duck are gray area meats. Most cuts of pork are considered red, but some are white. The same goes for duck. Both pork and duck can be paired with either white or red wine.