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Disney’s enormous turkey legs are among the most well-liked concessions at the park, right up there with Mickey-shaped pretzels and Gastons Tavern’s apple juice “brews.” And as such, theres a lot of speculation . like how much they weigh and what kind of bird theyre actually made from. We got down to the meat of the matter, and discovered nine crazy facts about the gigantic snack.
Have you ever sunk your teeth into a juicy smoked turkey leg at the fair, only to be struck by a familiar, ham-like flavor? You’re not alone. This culinary mystery has puzzled many a fairgoer, leaving them wondering if they’re actually munching on pork in disguise.
Fear not, dear turkey leg enthusiasts, for the truth behind this taste sensation is not a case of mistaken identity. While smoked turkey and ham share a striking resemblance in both appearance and flavor, they remain distinct meats However, the reason for their uncanny similarity lies in a shared curing process that unlocks their unique savoriness
The Curing Connection:
Both smoked turkey and ham undergo a curing process that involves a bath in a solution of salt, sodium nitrate, and various seasonings. This process not only enhances their flavor but also acts as a natural preservative, allowing them to be enjoyed without further cooking.
The key player in this flavor transformation is sodium nitrate. This compound reacts with the meat’s natural pigments, resulting in the characteristic pink hue of both smoked turkey and ham. Additionally, it contributes to a smoother texture and a more pronounced savory flavor, bringing them closer in taste profile.
Beyond the Cure:
While the curing process lays the foundation for their resemblance, the subsequent smoking step further amplifies the flavor similarities. Smoking infuses both meats with a rich, smoky aroma and adds depth to their overall taste.
However, it’s worth noting that not all ham is smoked. This means that unsmoked ham may not share the same complex flavor profile as its smoked counterpart, further differentiating it from smoked turkey.
Can Smoked Turkey Substitute for Pork?
For those who avoid pork due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences, smoked turkey emerges as a delicious and versatile alternative. It’s readily available in both halal and kosher options, making it a perfect fit for a variety of culinary creations without compromising on flavor.
However, due to the generous use of salt during the curing process, it’s advisable to adjust the salt content in your recipes accordingly. A simple soak in hot water or a quick boil can effectively reduce the saltiness, making it ideal for use in various pork-inspired dishes.
Beyond the Fairground Feast:
While smoked turkey legs are a beloved fairground staple, smoked turkey breast offers an equally delectable and versatile option. This cut of meat shines in sandwiches that traditionally call for ham, adding a delightful touch to breakfast favorites like the Monte Cristo or lunchtime classics like the Cuban sandwich.
For the adventurous home cook, smoking turkey yourself unlocks a world of culinary possibilities. A simple overnight brine followed by a smoking session at 275 degrees Fahrenheit transforms the bird into a flavorful masterpiece. Once cooked, the pulled turkey can be used to create mouthwatering dishes like apple cider smoked pulled pork or slow cooker carnitas, offering a unique twist on familiar favorites.
The uncanny resemblance between smoked turkey and ham stems from their shared curing process, resulting in similar flavors and appearances. However, they remain distinct meats, each offering its own unique culinary charm. Whether you’re enjoying a smoky turkey leg at the fair or experimenting with smoked turkey breast in your kitchen, you can rest assured that you’re indulging in a delicious and versatile ingredient with a fascinating story to tell.
A turkey leg tips the scales at …
1. 5 pounds! The Thanksgiving rule of thumb is 1. Disney’s turkey legs may look enormous, but the amount of meat isn’t overly large—each person receives 25 pounds of turkey, which accounts for the weight of the bones.
It’s a relic from the ’80s.
The enormous turkey leg, a tacky snack that Renaissance fairs have long offered, first appeared at Disney World in the late 1980s. It was originally only sold at one food cart, near Big Als in Magic Kingdoms Frontierland.
Top 10 UNTOLD TRUTHS of Disney’s Giant Turkey Legs
FAQ
How do turkey legs taste like ham?
Does turkey taste like ham?
What does turkey leg taste like?
What is a turkey that tastes like pork?
Do turkey legs taste like ham?
So while these turkey legs may look like ham, taste like ham, and even be prepared like ham, rest assured that they are in fact poultry. Delicious, smoked poultry. However, Sedley insisted that perhaps more important than flavor to the enduring allure of the turkey legs is their stature.
What does smoked turkey leg taste like?
This brine combined with the smoke makes for a flavor explosion, with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. These smoked turkey legs are seasoned throughout, but it is a super simple salt flavor. If you want to amp up the overall flavor of the turkey leg, you can rub it down with a seasoning blend.
Does Disney smoked turkey taste like a ham?
Disney actually does things a little differently than your standard smoked turkey. Similar to a wet cured ham, the turkey legs served at Disney Parks are injected with a special curing solution containing salt and sugar before it is smoked. This accounts for that pink color you may have noticed and a similar flavor profile to ham.
Why are turkey legs smoked?
After curing, the turkey legs are smoked to achieve their signature aroma and depth. Smoking dries the exterior of the meat, forming a bark of polymerized protein imbued with smoke flavor from volatile compounds that are deposited on the surface during smoking.