We prize the turkey for its scrumptious meat and…effectively, that’s about it. They aren’t the prettiest birds on the market, and so they style nice on Thanksgiving. However then it happens to you…we don’t eat turkey eggs.
Sooner or later you’re driving alongside and must cease for some turkeys crossing the highway. They aren’t in an enormous hurry so you could have a while to admire these strange-looking gamebirds.
Wait, why don’t we eat turkey eggs? Let’s dig in and determine this one out collectively.
Sure, Virginia, Turkeys Do Lay Eggs
Whereas turkey eggs could appear elusive to us, they do exist. In truth, turkeys can lay as much as 100 eggs a yr!
Turkey hens lay their eggs within the springtime, on the bottom, in a nest that she has lovingly ready.
She’ll scratch about and search for the most secure place to settle in and brood over her eggs.
Hens acquire their eggs, so to talk. They lay about 3 eggs every week however don’t begin sitting on their nest till they about round 10 eggs.
So some eggs find yourself ready for about two weeks earlier than momma hen begins incubating them along with her heat.
A turkey hen has an extended wait than chickens do, nevertheless, she’s going to sit on her eggs for about 28 days earlier than a poult will hatch.
What Do Turkey Eggs Look Like?
Turkey eggs are bigger than rooster eggs and are a bit of bit pointier. They’re often off-white with speckles.
The within of a turkey egg will look a lot just like a rooster egg, when you crack it open. Apart from that, the one different distinction between the 2 sorts of eggs is the thickness of the shell.
A turkey eggshell is thicker than a rooster’s, and far more tough to crack open.
Are Turkey Eggs Secure to Eat?
Sure! In truth, most chicken or poultry eggs are suitable for eating…and scrumptious as well!
Turkey eggs don’t style a lot completely different than a rooster egg. Some folks choose them and eat them frequently.
The one distinction between a rooster and a turkey egg, in relation to taste, is that turkey eggs have a barely stronger taste, and the feel is a tad creamier.
Some examine them to duck eggs, stating they’re extraordinarily related in taste and texture.
Why Don’t Extra Folks Eat Turkey Eggs?
Individuals eat plenty of turkeys, particularly round turkey day. We eat turkey on Thanksgiving, like deli meat, dehydrated, and in soups. So why don’t we eat the eggs extra usually?
Nicely, there are just a few other ways to have a look at it.
1. Turkey Eggs Are Unfamiliar
Folks are inclined to get squeamish about consuming one thing that’s new to them. Increasingly persons are conscious of the place their meals comes from and something international makes them uncomfortable.
The reality is, turkey eggs are suitable for eating, and fairly scrumptious, so it’s a disgrace extra folks aren’t keen to attempt them.
2. Promoting Eggs is a Waste of Time
That relies upon upon who you ask, proper? However many turkey farmers don’t need to waste the time to supply and promote turkey eggs.
In a approach, it’s not very environment friendly due to the time it takes turkeys to produce and hatch eggs. Plenty of this ties in with the truth that the market simply isn’t there for turkey eggs.
3. Turkeys are Costly
Turkeys are larger than chickens, and take extra effort and time to lift. They mature slowly and don’t begin laying till they’re older.
Time is cash within the meals business, and plenty of farmers don’t need to waste time on turkey eggs.
Whereas chickens can begin laying at 5 months, if circumstances are proper, turkeys can take about 7, so you’ll be able to see that egg manufacturing can be a lot slower.
The place Can I Get Turkey Eggs?
That’s a tricky nut to crack, however for those who’re keen to do the legwork, you’ll be capable of get your palms on some turkey eggs.
Verify with native farmers, farmers’ markets, or begin stalking your wild turkey inhabitants…simply kidding on that final one. You by no means know the way lengthy eggs have been sitting, particularly since hens acquire their eggs.
In conclusion, turkeys do lay eggs, they’re suitable for eating, and so they style scrumptious. Right here’s hoping you get to attempt your individual turkey eggs for breakfast sometime!