Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be complete without a beautifully roasted turkey as the centerpiece of the holiday feast. But have you ever wondered which state consumes the most of these golden brown birds on Thanksgiving Day? After diving into the data and research, one state emerges as the top turkey-eating location in America.
California Takes Top Spot for Turkey Consumption
The state that consumes the most turkey on Thanksgiving is California With over 39 million residents, California has by far the largest population of any state And with all those people comes a huge appetite for turkey!
California consumes more turkeys than any other state for several key reasons
- Large population = more turkey consumption overall
- Diverse culinary traditions value turkey as part of Thanksgiving
- Warmer climate encourages large family gatherings and feasts
- Higher income levels lead to greater spending on food, including turkeys
Approximately 250,000 turkeys are cooked and consumed in California over the Thanksgiving holiday each year That’s a whole lot of tryptophan!
Other Notable States for Turkey Eating
While California consumes the most overall, a few other states also have high turkey consumption rates:
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Texas – With its huge population and bold food culture, Texas comes in 2nd for turkey consumption. Over 70,000 turkeys are eaten here.
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Florida – The Sunshine State has many transplants bringing food traditions. About 60,000 turkeys are devoured.
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New York – The Big Apple certainly has an appetite! New York ranks 4th with around 50,000 turkeys served.
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Pennsylvania – Approximately 45,000 turkeys are consumed in PA, landing it in the top 5.
So while California takes the top spot by a wide margin, these states also love their Thanksgiving turkey!
Minnesota Leads Turkey Production
Interestingly, the state that produces the most turkeys is actually Minnesota. Even though it doesn’t rank highly for consumption, Minnesota raises about 40-45 million turkeys each year.
The cool climate and abundance of grain for feed make it an ideal location for turkey farming. Major turkey producers like Jennie-O and Cargill operate large facilities in Minnesota.
The majority of turkeys consumed across America come from Minnesota farms. So we have this Midwestern state to thank for the abundance of turkey on our tables!
Per Capita Consumption
Looking at consumption on a per capita basis provides another perspective. Here, North Carolina takes the top spot for per capita turkey consumption with about 16 pounds per person.
Minnesota and Arkansas also shine in per capita consumption at 15 pounds per person. Their turkey farming resources likely contribute to higher consumption rates.
The History of Turkey at Thanksgiving
While today it seems unthinkable to celebrate Thanksgiving without turkey, this bird was not actually present at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Attendees of that harvest celebration dined on venison, lobster, goose, and perhaps wild turkeys.
Domesticated turkeys were introduced to America through the Spanish in the 1500s. As wild turkey populations declined, this domesticated breed was hunted more frequently.
By the 1800s, turkey was beginning to gain traction as the preferred Thanksgiving meal thanks to its large size and affordability. And the rest is delicious history!
Key Factors Driving Turkey Consumption
Several key factors contribute to the high level of turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day:
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Tradition – Turkey is ingrained as the default Thanksgiving entree.
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Convenience – Turkey requires minimal preparation and feeds large groups.
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Price – Whole frozen turkeys are reasonably priced, especially when purchased on sale leading up to the holiday.
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Availability – Turkeys are widely available at every grocery store during the holidays.
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Preference – Many survey respondents indicate turkey is their preferred Thanksgiving meal.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
With so much turkey consumed, there are inevitably plenty of leftovers! Preparing creative recipes is a great way to make the most of extra turkey.
Some fun ways to repurpose leftovers include:
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Turkey pot pie – A comfort food classic!
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Turkey salad sandwiches – Add some cranberry sauce for a flavor boost.
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Turkey noodle soup – Warm and nourishing.
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Turkey enchiladas – Leftover turkey gets a Tex-Mex twist.
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Turkey hash – The answer to your leftover vegetable dilemma.
A little creativity in the kitchen helps reduce waste and keep the holiday spirit going strong!
California Takes Top Honors
When it comes to Thanksgiving turkeys, no state can compete with California’s high consumption rates. The Golden State’s huge population and enthusiasm for delicious feasts have secured its status as the #1 state for turkey consumption during the holidays.
But as we have seen, residents across America love cooking and eating turkey on Thanksgiving Day. After all, this iconic centerpiece ties together family gatherings, time-honored traditions, and fond food memories for so many. So no matter which state you call home, gobble up some delicious turkey this Thanksgiving!
Turkey: A National Icon and Popular Dish
As the largest ground nesting bird native to the North American continent, the wild turkey was valued by Native Americans for their delicious meat and beautiful feathers.
Today, Americans eat domesticated turkey year-round but continue to make special turkey recipes a centerpiece in holiday meals with creative stuffings and sauces. With a brand new turkey emoji in the spotlight, Americans are more than ready to celebrate this Thanksgiving!
How many turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving 2019?
FAQ
Which state eats the most turkeys on Thanksgiving?
Meet the state where the most turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving. According to CBS affiliate KRCG, California is the state that consumes the most turkeys per capita on Thanksgiving Day.
What are the top 3 states for turkeys?
- Minnesota – 38.5 million birds.
- North Carolina – 29.0 million birds.
- Arkansas – 27.0 million birds.
- Indiana – 20.0 million birds.
- Missouri – 17.0 million birds.
- Virginia – 15.5 million birds.
- Iowa – 11.5 million birds.
- Pennsylvania – 8.0 million birds.
What state raises the most turkeys for Thanksgiving consumption?
Minnesota is the number-one state in rearing turkeys in the United States. There are an estimated 44 million turkeys reared around the state.
Where is turkey eaten the most?
In fact, approximately seven out of eight families in the United States consume turkey on Thanksgiving Day. On the other hand, the United States is not the country that consumes the most turkeys every year per capita. That belongs to Israel, where an even greater percentage of the population consumes turkey every year.
Which state eats the most Turkey on Thanksgiving?
In recent years, Texas has emerged as the top consumer of turkey on Thanksgiving. With its large population and rich culinary traditions, it’s no surprise that Texas takes the lead in turkey consumption. In fact, it’s estimated that Texans devour over 8 million turkeys on Thanksgiving, making it the top turkey-eating state in the country.
Which state produces the most Turkey?
Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple in the United States. Minnesota is the state that raises the most turkeys, and Turkey consumption is growing in the US. Which states produce the most Turkey? According to USDA, the top turkey producing states are Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, Iowa and California.
How many turkeys do Americans eat on Thanksgiving?
Turkey production is a major component of Thanksgiving economics. The National Turkey Federation calculates that Americans consume roughly 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving alone. According to my research, Minnesota raises millions of turkeys annually, making it the nation’s leader in this regard.
How many people eat Thanksgiving turkey in November?
Unsurprisingly, the number of turkeys consumed on the fourth Thursday in November is high, and has even risen in recent years despite increased interest in turkey alternatives and plant-based foods. According to the National Turkey Federation, an estimated 88 percent of Americans consume Thanksgiving turkey each year.
How does Turkey production affect the cost of thanksgiving?
Turkey production, a major component of Thanksgiving economics, sees Minnesota leading the nation in raising millions of birds each year. The cost of these turkeys can fluctuate depending on inflation and feed prices, impacting the overall cost of Thanksgiving celebrations.
What factors influence the amount of Turkey consumed by a state?
Several factors influence the amount of turkey consumed by a state. Population plays a significant role, as larger states naturally tend to consume more turkey overall.