The Savory History and Allure of the Renaissance Fair Turkey Leg

Turkey legs have become a quintessential food at Renaissance fairs across the country Their origins can be traced back to the early Renaissance fairs of the 1960s, which aimed to celebrate medieval life with historical re-enactments, costumes, food, and more While not exactly an authentic medieval food, the turkey leg has cemented itself as a Renaissance fair staple, beloved by many and loathed by some.

A Meaty History

While Renaissance fairs aim to recreate medieval life, the turkey leg emerged in the 1960s as a novelty food item rather than a historical recreation. The Renaissance fair in Southern California claims to have introduced the turkey leg in the early 1960s. The sizable, primitive, hand-held meat was a natural fit for these fairs seeking to emulate medieval times.

Soon after turkey legs spread to Renaissance fairs and medieval festivals across the country throughout the 1960s and 1970s. They also found popularity at theme parks like Disney World in the 1980s. Despite their lack of authenticity, turkey legs evoke images of medieval feasts and lore. Their legend continues today as a signature Renaissance fair food.

Where Do the Legs Come From?

Renaissance fair turkey legs come from male turkeys, not females. Males have larger legs suited to support their bigger bodies. The legs run from the turkey’s thigh to the meat below the knee, comprising both the thigh and drumstick.

As a dark meat, turkey legs provide more flavor but cost less than white turkey breast meat. They get smoked until fully cooked, then roasted on-site at fairs for immediate serving. A hefty smoked turkey leg typically weighs around 1-2 pounds.

Why the Obsession?

From a vendor’s perspective, turkey legs offer an inexpensive, meaty, portable, and quick meal perfect for hungry fair-goers on the move. Customers love tearing into the flesh straight from the bone with their bare hands. The primitive carnivorous experience hearkens back to medieval times, even if historically inaccurate.

Beyond the experience, the turkey leg offers a hearty protein punch in one hand-held package. The smokey, salty, meaty flavor profile delights turkey lovers. While not for the faint of heart given their high calories and fat, turkey legs satisfy a craving for medieval meat immersion.

Caution: Turkey Legs Ahead

While many revel in them, turkey legs also have their haters Detractors recoil at their oversized, meat-heavy appearance, likened by some to a giant cartoon prop. Nutritionally, a single turkey leg packs a wallop of calories, fat, and sodium PETA opposes their prevalence at Renaissance fairs over animal cruelty concerns.

Dissenters aside, the turkey leg retains a loyal following. For legions of fans, the Renaissance fair experience would not be complete without tearing into this iconic meaty treat.

Big Birds, Big Sales

Therunaway success of turkey legs at Renaissance fairs and medieval festivals proves their lasting popularity.

• At Ohio’s Renaissance Festival, they aim for turkey legs weighing at least 2 pounds each, nearly double the standard 1-pound size. The Ohio festival sells around 35,000 turkey legs annually.

• Disney World’s 4 theme parks sell over 2 million turkey legs per year. They use a special salt and sugar curing solution before smoking them into the familiar Disney-style turkey legs.

• Smaller Renaissance fairs may sell 500-2000 turkey legs on an average weekend.

These staggering numbers show a widespread appetite for feasting like the medieval days of yore, even if turkey legs are a modern convenience food.

Cooking Your Own Renaissance Fair Turkey Legs

Want to recreate the Renaissance fair experience at home? Cooking your own turkey legs is easy and cheaper than buying them at a fair.

• Brine the legs overnight in a salt, sugar, and spice solution to infuse flavor.

• Slow roast the legs at a low 250°F for 2-3 hours until the meat reaches 165°F.

• Finish them by charring the skin over high heat to crisp it up.

• Experiment with different wood smoking flavors like hickory, apple, or cherry.

• Coat in barbecue sauce or spice rubs for more flavor.

While you can’t replicate the bustling sounds and smells of a Renaissance fair, you can indulge at home in this iconic medieval meat treat.

The savory smoked turkey leg remains a highlight of Renaissance fairs for meat mavens interested in dining like a medieval peasant or king. Sink your teeth into the smoky, salty, crispy, meaty goodness and embark on your own hand-held Renaissance fair food adventure.