The debate between tom and hen turkeys has perplexed many around the holidays With different flavors, sizes, and cooking times, it can be tricky deciding between a tom or hen turkey for your festive feast This article will break down the key differences and help you determine which type of turkey is best for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
An Overview of Tom and Hen Turkeys
First what exactly is the difference between a tom and a hen turkey?
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Toms are male turkeys. They tend to be much larger than hens, sometimes weighing over 16 pounds.
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Hens are female turkeys. They are typically smaller, usually under 16 pounds.
So in a nutshell, toms are larger while hens are smaller in size. But there are some other important distinctions between the two types of turkeys:
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Meat yield: Due to their larger size, tom turkeys have a higher overall meat yield. However, since they also have larger bones, the proportion of edible to inedible meat may be lower than hens.
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Breast meat: Hens tend to have a higher ratio of white breast meat compared to dark meat. Toms have slightly more dark meat.
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Flavor: Some find the meat of toms to have a slightly stronger, gamier taste versus the more mild flavor of hens.
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Tenderness: Tenderness depends more on age than gender. Young hens under 16 weeks old are usually the most tender.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tom vs Hen
With an understanding of the main differences, here are some key considerations when deciding between a tom or hen turkey:
Number of Guests
If cooking turkey for a large gathering, a tom may be a better fit. Their larger size provides more meat overall. For a smaller group, a hen may provide plenty.
Oven Size
Make sure your oven can fit the size bird you choose. Hens have a more compact shape.
Flavor Preferences
Go for a tom if you want a rich, intense turkey flavor. Choose a hen for a milder taste.
Cooking Method
Smaller hens work well for frying or smoking. Larger toms excel when roasted.
Budget
Hens cost less per pound but provide less meat. Toms offer more meat for your dollar.
Presentation
Toms make a dramatic table centerpiece. Hens have a more petite appearance.
Leftovers
Bigger toms provide more leftovers. Hens give you less leftovers and waste.
Buying and Cooking Tips for Tom and Hen Turkeys
Keep these tips in mind when purchasing and cooking your holiday tom or hen:
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Shop early for hens, which sell out faster than toms.
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Allow 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person when estimating size needed.
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Check oven capacity before buying. Hens fit more easily.
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Avoid brining self-basting or kosher turkeys, which are pre-salted.
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For maximum juiciness, select “young turkey” under 16 weeks old.
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Look for free-range, pasture-raised, or organic birds for different raising methods.
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Cook frozen turkeys after thorough thawing. Cook fresh turkeys within 2 days.
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Calculate 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F for stuffed birds.
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Brine hens 12 hours, toms 18-24 hours for added moisture and flavor.
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Baste hens every 30 minutes, toms every 45 minutes during roasting.
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Cook all turkeys to 165°F internally in breast and thigh.
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Let turkeys rest 30 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
Choosing the Best Turkey for Your Holiday Meal
When deciding between a tom and hen turkey, consider your specific needs:
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For a crowd: A tom provides more meat and feeds more people.
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For a smaller gathering: A petite hen delivers plenty for a smaller group.
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If you want rich flavor: Toms have a fuller, gamier taste.
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If you prefer milder flavor: Hens have a more delicate flavor.
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For frying or smoking: Compact hens work best.
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For roasting: Larger toms excel when oven-roasted.
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For a stunning presentation: Toms look most impressive on the table.
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For lots of leftovers: Bigger toms provide more leftovers.
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For less waste: Hens offer fewer leftovers and less waste.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Turkey
When it comes to tom vs hen, either can make a delicious holiday centerpiece. Consider the number of guests, your flavor preferences, cooking method, and other factors outlined above. For a flavorful meal with leftovers, a tom is a classic choice. For a smaller feast or milder taste, a hen may be perfect. Whichever you select, follow proper thawing, seasoning, cooking, resting, and carving methods for a juicy, tender, and scrumptious Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey!
Turkey Basics-Gobblers and Hens
Let’s begin with the basics of distinguishing male wild turkeys (gobblers) from females (hens).
Gobblers are larger-bodied birds, with a darker coloration, at times appearing almost black. In bright sunlight, their feathers cast a brilliant bronze or metallic iridescence. Gobblers have a featherless, red head (sometimes with blue and white coloring, too) with prominent wattle and fleshy, red growths (called caruncles) on their neck. They also have a “beard”—a tuft of black, hair-like strands—protruding from their chest.
On adult gobblers (called toms), the beard can be 7-9 inches or more in length, but on young gobblers (called jakes) the beard is <6 inches long. Typically, gobblers hang out away from hens during the summer since they take no part in raising young.
Hens are more brown in coloration and smaller in size than gobblers. They have a head that is more blue-gray in appearance, often with feathers continuing up the back of the head.
Occasionally hens will have a beard, but it is thinner than on gobblers and is quite often kinked. Hens can also have some feather iridescence, but not to the same extent as gobblers.
How many gobblers and hens do you see in this picture?
2 gobblers (both jakes, note the larger size, less-feathered red heads, and tiny stubble of a beard protruding from the chest of the jake on the right), 4 hens (one mostly hidden behind a jake, but you still can clearly see the typical head of a hen turkey poking out), 1 unknown. If we were here in person live, the birds would move about and we could probably determine that the unknown is another jake, but given what we can see in this photo, it’s best to just call this partially obstructed bird an unknown.
Poults develop very quickly (they must in order not to be eaten!) and feather types, appearance, and body size change rapidly as they age. Based on these characteristics, we can estimate the age of poults. For simplicity, we divide poults into three age classes.
1 week old or younger. Poults that are no more than about a week old are still covered with downy feathers and are very small (<5-6 inches tall). They look like little puff balls about the size of your fist.
Turkey Poult Class 1
2-5 weeks old. Poults in this class have grown longer wing feathers, but still are mostly covered with downy feathers on their body and still lack long tail feathers. They are about 6-10 inches tall, similar in size to a Blue Jay. In appearance, they look to be all wings (which is good because it means now they can fly into low trees to escape ground predators). Poults on the older end of this age class will have started to grow some juvenile plumage on their bodies, but still have short tail feathers.
Hen with class 2 age group poults
Hen with older class 2 age-group poult (borderline class 3)
Hen with class 2 age group poults
6-8 weeks or older. Poults early in this stage still have some down feathers occurring on the neck and head, but their body is covered with juvenile type contour feathers. They have visible tail feathers now, black-and-white barred wing feathers are emerging, and they stand about 10-12 inches tall, similar in size to a crow or a chicken. By about 8 weeks of age, poults are beginning to grow new “adult” looking body feathers and will have a mixture of juvenile feathers and adult feathers on their body. They are about half the size of the hen and will continue to grow to almost the same size as the hen by the end of the summer. Turkey Poults
Because they are very similar in size, late in the summer it can be very challenging to determine if a group of similar-sized turkeys is a flock of hens without poults or a hen and her older-age-class brood. If you’re unsure, it’s best to mark them as unknowns.
Tom or Hen Turkey Poult? How To Tell the Difference
FAQ
Which turkey tastes better, Tom or hen?
Most those in the industry feel that a hen is better tasting and more tender than a tom turkey. Much as to do with personal preference. Tom turkeys have larger bones and less edible portions, which may be reason for hens as preference by most.
Which is better, male or female turkey?
When it comes to a MALE turkey, it is the older, richer and more seasoned (sugar-daddy-like) bird that is much preferred. Some female turkeys are not interested in ‘training’ this ‘young bird’ and promptly move on.
What is the best type of turkey to eat?
Free-range birds tend to grow more slowly, meaning they have more flavour, more fat in their muscles and a better, firmer texture. For this reason, free-range turkeys are less likely to dry out when you cook them. In our opinion, the best turkey we’ve experienced come from producers like Kelly’s Turkeys.
Is a butterball turkey a hen or tom?
Butterball – Butterball Premium Hen Turkey Frozen (average Weight 12 To 16 Pounds) | Shop | Stater Bros. Markets.
What is the difference between Tom and hen turkey?
From a nutritional standpoint, there are no significant health differences between tom and hen turkey meat. The differences lie mainly in taste and texture. 10. Do hens produce smaller or fewer leftovers than toms? Since hens have less meat, you may have fewer leftovers compared to cooking a tom turkey.
Should I buy a turkey hen or a hen?
Flavor Preferences: Choose a tom if you want rich, bold turkey flavor. Go for a hen if you prefer milder taste. Cooking Method: Smaller hens often work better for deep frying or smoking. Larger toms excel when roasted. Budget: Hens cost less per pound since they are smaller. Toms offer more meat for your dollar but a higher upfront cost.
What is the difference between a Turkey and a hen?
One of the two genders of turkeys is the tom, an adult male. The female turkey, or hen, is the opposite gender. Toms typically weigh 18 to 32 pounds, making them heavier than hens. Their physical characteristics distinguish them from hens, including their bigger size and a beard on their breast. They are also referred to as gobblers.
Do Tom turkeys taste better than Hen turkeys?
On one hand, supporters of tom turkeys claim they have a stronger taste due to their larger size and higher fat content. On the other hand, fans of hen turkeys argue that they possess a more delicate flavor because they’re smaller and tend to be younger when harvested. So which side is right?
How do I choose a Tom or hen turkey?
To determine the best type of turkey for your recipe, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve and the type of dish you are preparing. The intense, gamy flavor of the tom turkey can enhance rich, savory dishes, while the milder taste of the hen turkey is perfect for lighter, more delicate recipes. 10. Should I brine a tom or hen turkey?
Can you cook a Tom and a hen together?
Yes, you can cook a tom and a hen together, but be mindful of their different cooking times. Check their internal temperatures separately to ensure they are adequately cooked. 2. Which turkey is more expensive, tom or hen? Tom turkeys are usually more expensive than hens due to their larger size.