Source: Karen Blakeslee, 785-532-1672, kblakesl@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Angie Johnson, 785-532-6415

Tuesday, November 17, 2003

COOKING WITH TURKEY AS AN ALTERNATIVE CAN BE HEALTHIER

MANHATTAN -- Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving anymore.

As Americans have become increasingly concerned with health and diet, turkey meat has become a common alternative to beef and other types of meat. Consumption has grown 180 percent in the last 25 years, according to Karen Blakeslee, rapid response center coordinator in the department of animal sciences and industry at Kansas State University.

According to the National Turkey Federation, last year Americans ate 18 pounds of turkey per person.

Blakeslee relates this trend to today's new diet choices and increased popularity in the marketplace. In 2001, turkey was the No. 4 protein choice among consumers.

"Turkey consumption is not just on the holidays," Blakeslee said. "Because of an increased variety of turkey products, consumption is year around."

Blakeslee said the turkey meat craze might also be associated with people watching their fat intake and wanting something a little different at the dinner table. She said it provides a lighter taste that doesn't seem as hearty, as well as a lighter color to food.

Blakeslee said using lean turkey can lower the fat content in a meal. Turkey is rich in calcium and protein, and low in sodium, compared to other meats. It is also significantly lower in calories, cholesterol, and fat, than many other meats on the market, and an excellent source of iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and B vitamins.

"When shopping at the grocery store, look for the lower-fat turkey," Blakeslee said. "There is a 99 percent fat-free ground turkey that tastes great."

The variety of turkey products sold at local grocery stores includes ground turkey meat, turkey tenderloins, steaks, boneless breasts and drums. Some of the popular meals that use turkey as an alternative include lasagna, pizza, spaghetti and burgers. Blakeslee said you could substitute ground turkey for ground beef in just about everything. It's quite versatile, she said.

"I think it's a great addition to a lot of different meals," Blakeslee said. "It's so convenient and can be fairly affordable."

For additional facts and information about cooking with turkey meat, visit the National Turkey Federation Web site at http://www.eatturkey.com or the Food Safety and Inspection Services Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov

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