The Giant, Juicy History of Renaissance Fair Turkey Legs

Walking around a Renaissance fair or medieval festival, it’s hard not to notice people gnawing on giant turkey legs. These oversized drumsticks have become a signature food at these historical reenactment events. But just how did giant turkey legs become so associated with Renaissance fairs? Let’s explore the juicy history and popularity of Renaissance fair turkey legs.

The Origin at Renaissance Festivals

Turkey legs first appeared at Renaissance fairs in the 1960s These fairs aimed to recreate medieval European festivals and markets for entertainment Food at the fairs needed to seem historical. Since people back then ate without utensils, foods like turkey legs, meat pies, and ribs on a bone made sense. The giant turkey leg quickly became a fan favorite.

Soon turkey legs spread to Renaissance fairs across the country. They were an ideal portable snack you could eat while walking around the fairgrounds The size and novelty of eating a fist-sized drumstick drew people’s attention. Turkey legs stood out as an iconic food of these medieval-themed events

Why So Giant?

Part of the appeal is how giant the turkey legs served at Renaissance fairs are. They’re often over 2 pounds each double the size of a normal turkey leg. These massive legs actually come from male turkeys which grow much larger than female turkeys.

Turkey leg vendors specially source extra large turkey legs to live up to the Renaissance fair reputation. The drumsticks are smoked until fully cooked, making them easy to quickly finish cooking roasted on-site at the fair. So why are they so big? Bigger is better when it comes to creating a memorable, meaty snack!

The Experience of Eating One

It’s an experience eating one of these Renaissance fair turkey legs. They’re greasy and messy – expect to get covered in turkey juice and spices. You’ll look like a hungry barbarian gnawing through bone and cartilage.

The flavor is smoky, salty, and rich. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender with crispy charred edges. And the portion is enough to share or make a meal for one hungry fairgoer. On a hot day, a cold turkey leg right off the grill really hits the spot.

While not historically accurate, the turkey leg has become central to the modern Renaissance fair experience. They’re part of the escapism and indulgence.

Pop Culture Appearances

Renaissance fair turkey legs have made their way into pop culture over the years. On TV shows and movies set at medieval fairs, you’ll often see actors happily eating a giant turkey leg. They’ve been featured in episodes of “The Simpsons”, “Family Guy”, and “Gilmore Girls.”

Or who could forget Phoebe enthusiastically eating one to reenact her past life on an episode of “Friends”? You instantly know the setting when you see a character bite into a Renaissance fair turkey leg.

Turkey Leg Controversies

Not everyone is a fan of Renaissance fair turkey legs. Animal rights group PETA discourages turkey leg consumption, considering how the birds are housed and processed.

Rumors have swirled for years that turkey legs sold at fairs are actually emu or pork. This myth continues to spread but has been thoroughly debunked. Vendors confirm it’s real turkey meat.

Some also say consuming these fatty, high-calorie, high-sodium legs in an era of weight watching promotes unhealthy eating. But indulging while playing make-believe for a day is part of the experience.

Special Flavors

While traditional smoked turkey legs are the most popular, some Renaissance fairs offer specialty flavors to spice things up. You can now get Cajun rubbed turkey legs, legs coated in sauces like buffalo or teriyaki, and legs stuffed with fillings like chorizo and cheese or mac and cheese.

If you want to experience the classic salty, smoky flavor, stick with the traditional preparation. But it’s fun to sample inventive flavors and fusion styles.

Turkey Leg Alternatives

For those who don’t eat meat, Renaissance fairs have gotten creative with plant-based turkey leg alternatives. Instead of poultry, these vegetarian versions are made from seitan or jackfruit formed and cooked to resemble a drumstick.

They’re seasoned and charred to look like real turkey legs. These creative, meatless versions let everyone in on the fun turkey leg experience. It helps make Renaissance fairs more accessible and inclusive for all.

Gobbling One Up Yourself

You don’t have to wait for a Renaissance fair to enjoy a turkey leg. There are recipes to make them at home on the grill or smoker. While not quite as giant, home versions capture the flavors of Renaissance fair turkey legs.

Brine the legs in salt, sugar, and spices overnight before cooking low and slow until tender. Then coat with more spice rub and char over high heat. Finished with a glaze like barbecue sauce, you’ll feel like you’re at a medieval festival.

The Takeaway

Renaissance fair turkey legs may not be historically accurate, but they’re now a contemporary symbol of these lively events. Their origins are murky, but their appeal is obvious – indulging in a massive, delicious turkey leg makes you feel like you’re partaking in ages past. The turkey leg experience simply isn’t complete without getting your hands greasy with one of these meaty beauties.