MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier in November, Cargill Inc. published its Future of Turkey study heading into the holiday season.

Results showed that more than eight in 10 consumers who responded to the survey said they plan to purchase a whole turkey in 2023.

Cargill stated this has changed from previous years when consumers often purchased individual turkey parts like turkey breasts as they exercised caution during the COVID-19 pandemic with smaller gatherings.

“Americans hold onto the belief that a whole turkey should be the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving meal with family and friends,” said Hans Kabat, president of Cargill’s North American protein business. “I am so grateful for our employees, and the hundreds of independent farmers we partner with, who are all working hard to put our turkeys on one out of every three Thanksgiving dinner tables this year.”

With a return to whole turkey purchases, the Cargill study also showed that nearly half of Americans who aren’t planning to buy a whole turkey are worried about having too many leftovers.

Janet Bourbon, Cargill corporate chef, explained four ways to use the whole turkey.

1. Maximize turkey meat: Carve the turkey and store the meat in sealed containers to keep it fresher for longer. Explore endless possibilities for your leftover turkey meat, from mouthwatering sandwiches to hearty soups and turkey chili. Don’t forget to consume leftovers within 3-4 days to ensure food safety and quality or freeze them to be eaten later.

2. Discover the delicious potential of giblets: The giblets, including the heart, liver, gizzard and sometimes the neck, are flavorful treasures often neglected and thrown away.

3. Savor the goodness of gravy: Create a tantalizing giblet gravy by simmering the turkey neck, wing tips, half an onion, carrot and celery in water. Strain and reserve the liquid for your gravy. Sauté the chopped gizzard, liver and heart in butter until browned and add them to your gravy. 

4. Treat your pets: Cooked giblets can also serve as a delightful treat for your furry friends, especially dogs.

Cargill’s leading turkey brands include Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms.