Christmas is a time when families come together and enjoy a delicious meal, and the centrepiece of many of those meals is a big, juicy turkey. But why do we eat turkey at Christmas in the first place? Let’s go in depth and understand one of the most popular traditions for this time of year.

The history of turkey and Christmas

Turkey has been a popular dish at Christmas for centuries. It has been eaten as part of the traditional Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom since at least the 16th century. In fact, it was King Henry VIII who was the first person to eat a turkey on Christmas Day. However, it wasn’t until the 1950’s that the turkey was deemed a more popular Christmas meal choice than the goose.

The popularity of turkey on Christmas Day stems in part from its availability. Turkeys were able to be farmed in large numbers and could be found relatively cheaply in many countries. Additionally, it meant that farmers wouldn’t have to slaughter their cows and chickens, which were not only more expensive but also produced milk and eggs.

The versatility of the meat

Another reason why turkey is so popular at Christmas is because of its versatility. It can be roasted, grilled, smoked, or boiled and served with a variety of side dishes to create a delicious meal. Plus a massive advantage of a large turkey is that it is a really popular choice for leftovers. The meat can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, and pies. Is there anything better than a good old turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce sandwich on boxing day?

Turkey is a popular choice as it is a large bird, making it the perfect choice for large family celebrations. This is important especially around Christmas as it’s a time you should be spending with those you love most. You wouldn’t want anyone going hungry!

The traditional symbolisation of turkey

Finally, turkey is seen as a traditional symbol of celebration and good luck. The white meat and golden skin of the bird are associated with wealth and prosperity, and the larger size of the bird is seen as a symbol of abundance. For many families, eating turkey at Christmas is a way to come together and celebrate the season of giving.

Get in touch

Here at Burts Catering Butchers, we pride ourselves on what we do and how we operate. We’ve built up numerous close contacts over the years. We’re loyal and fair and because of that our suppliers look after us. Very rarely do we have a product that can’t be sourced within a few days.

Looking to order a high-quality cut of meat that you can be confident in just in time for Christmas? Feel free to place an order with us. Alternatively, if you’re looking to find out some more information about how we work don’t hesitate to get in touch. Give us a call on 01424 730417 or contact us here.