Why is turkey so popular at Christmas?
La réponse est simple. Au cours des siècles, comme on le verra plus loin, la dinde a été choisie comme plat de résistance pour les grandes fêtes car elle représentait un volatile inhabituel. La première dinde rôtie aurait été servie à un repas de Christmas du roi Charles VII.
Although this meat is found on many European tables today, it is not a dish that originates from the Old Continent. It rather comes from Mexico, the United States and Canada. In the 18th centurye In the 18th century, the Spanish introduced it to Mexico, and it was later domesticated in France, Spain, and England. As the British settled in the Americas in 13 colonies, they brought this tradition of turkey with them, which they prefer to eat at Thanksgiving.
The very name "turkey" is said to be attributed to the fact that the first birds of this genus, to have been discovered by the Spanish (believing they were in India), were named "Indian hens" by the latter.
Before turkey was chosen as the main course at the Christmas table, roast goose was served, which was considered the "sun bird"; therefore, it was claimed that it guaranteed protection from the sun to those who ate it.
Today, despite the wide selection of roast meats that can be served at the Christmas table (duck, lamb, venison, and more recently ostrich and bison), turkey still remains the queen of the New Year's Eve menu. In France and Belgium, custom dictates that this poultry is stuffed with chestnuts, while in Quebec (Canada), it is preferred to be stuffed with a mixture of croutons, onion, and sage. Some do not hesitate to add Portuguese walnuts to this preparation.
To stand out, Americans sometimes serve turkey glazed with lemon and bourbon.
As you can see, turkey still reigns supreme on many tables in Europe and America, to the delight of lovers of this choice meat.
