You know about lamb fries and Rocky Mountain oysters, right? You know that some animals’ testicles are consumed as novelties, if not as delicacies.
Writer and New School food studies professor Andrew F. Smith relates the practice in his wonderful overview of (North) Americas bird, The Turkey. He places the eating of “short fries” in the context of the advancement of ever-more-technological methods for raising, killing, and preparing chicken.
It was possible to buy a “New York style” turkey with the heads, feet, and entrails still in place up until the 1930s (and even into the 1950s). But “ready-to-cook” turkeys displaced the older style. And now we all know what a turkey looks like when you get one from the supermarket. Its defeathered, eviscerated, wrapped in plastic, with a few innards tucked inside in a pouch.
Food manufacturers were left with large supplies of extra parts, which they creatively sold to other customers as they sold less of the entire bird to consumers.
“Historically, none of the turkey was wasted. Smith notes that the heads and feet were sold to fish hatcheries and that the entrails’ fat was removed to make chicken soup. In 1943, he continues, Fortune Magazine reported that the “oil sacs in the tail have medicinal uses. Testicles are regarded as a rare delicacy by city slickers who relish them as short fries. What is left is sent to a rendering plant. “.
Right now, the only other mention of short fries that I can locate in my usual places is a minor revision of the Fortune piece that originally appeared in a 1945 issue of “Poultry Farmer.” ” Short fries appear nowhere in the New York Public Librarys digital menu archive, either.
This is not to argue that short fries were never consumed; rather, it is just that they were not a common food.
At least until recently: For 35 years, the town of Byron, Illinois—more widely recognized for its nuclear power plant—has held a Turkey Testicle Festival.
There’s also another testicle festival this week in Huntley, Illinois, if you’re fortunate enough to be there. “If you have never tried a turkey testicle, this is your chance!” the organizers promise.
It should be noted that turkey testicles are roughly the size of “large olives,” Calvin W., for those who have different plans this year. Schwabe writes in his book Unmentionable Cuisine. They pair well with cocktails and can be prepared “by any recipe for sweetbreads. “.
That is to say, come celebrate Thanksgiving with me and the Reconstructed Roman Orgy in a small Illinois town next year. Alexis Madrigal is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and the host of KQED’s Forum.
Yo, what’s up fellow turkey enthusiasts? Ever wondered if those plump juicy nuggets tucked away inside your Thanksgiving centerpiece are actually… well, balls? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of turkey testicles, uncovering the truth behind their location, function, and even their culinary reputation.
Hold Your Horses: Where Are the Balls Hiding?
Contrary to popular belief, turkey testicles aren’t dangling between their legs like say a dog’s. Nope, these bad boys are tucked away safely inside the bird’s abdominal cavity, nestled snugly behind its wings. This internal placement might seem strange, but it actually makes sense from an evolutionary perspective. Think about it: strutting around with your family jewels exposed wouldn’t exactly be conducive to survival in the wild.
So, What’s Their Deal?
Like any self-respecting pair of testicles, these little guys are responsible for producing sperm. During the breeding season, they go into overdrive, churning out millions of tiny swimmers ready to fertilize an unsuspecting egg. But here’s the kicker: turkey testicles are seasonal. That’s right, they shrink and grow depending on the time of year, reaching their peak size just when the ladies are ready to mingle. Talk about being in tune with the times!
A Culinary Curiosity: Turkey Testicles on the Menu?
Now, you might be thinking, “Hold on, are you telling me people actually eat turkey testicles?” Well, buckle up, because the answer is a resounding yes. In some cultures, these little nuggets are considered a delicacy. In fact, there are even festivals dedicated to celebrating the culinary delights of turkey testicles. Yep, you read that right.
The Verdict: Balls of Mystery, Balls of Intrigue
So, do turkeys have balls? Absolutely. Are they in a weird spot? You bet. Are they a culinary curiosity? Well, that’s up for debate. But one thing’s for sure: these little guys play a crucial role in the life cycle of turkeys, and they’ve sparked some pretty interesting culinary traditions along the way.
Bonus Round: Turkey Testicle Trivia
- Turkey testicles are surprisingly large, reaching the size of a golf ball during breeding season.
- In some parts of the world, they’re considered an aphrodisiac.
- There’s even a recipe for “Rocky Mountain Oysters,” which are, you guessed it, deep-fried turkey testicles.
So, there you have it, folks. The truth about turkey testicles is out there. Now, go forth and amaze your friends with your newfound knowledge. Just don’t blame us if they start looking at their Thanksgiving turkey with a whole new perspective.
Do boy turkeys have balls?
FAQ
Can you eat turkey balls?
What are turkey fries made of?