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Turkey Adds Spice and Healthy Options to Ethnic Cuisines

National Turkey Federation's Survey Says that Consumers Want Diverse Low-Fat Turkey Recipes at www.eatturkey.com

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WASHINGTON, D.C., October 1, 2004 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Sherrie Rosenblatt, National Turkey Federation
202-898-0100 ext. 227, srosenblatt@turkeyfed.org
or Maryanne Keeney, Devine & Pearson
617-472-2700 ext. 137 mkeeney@devine-pearson.com
From Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-Fry to Turkey Oriental Noodle Salad, culinary professionals are adding spice and innovation to ethnic cuisines with turkey. An on-line survey by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) revealed that 49 percent of consumers are looking for new and distinctive turkey dishes. Italian flavored recipes topped the survey at 55 percent, while Southwestern and Southern tied at 49 percent.

"Turkey's versatility and ability to adapt flavor makes it a natural ingredient for Italian to Mexican recipes," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, the federation's senior director of marketing and communications. "Health-conscious Americans are looking for savory, low-fat options of their favorite cuisines that pack in excellent taste and great nutrition. Turkey appeals to many because it's higher in protein and lower in total fat than chicken or beef."

Turkey Tenderloins with Black Bean and Corn Salsa is one of 20 ethnic recipes featured this month at www.eatturkey.com, a valuable resource for culinary professionals looking for innovative turkey ideas. Visitors can view the monthly feature from the home page. Those desiring recipe suggestions can log into the site, choose the "foodservice" tab, followed by "Savor the Success" and the featured recipe link entitled "Ethnic Recipes." The site also contains more than 600 successful foodservice turkey recipes.

"With more Americans expecting healthier menu choices, culinary professionals can be creative and satisfy consumers by combining the latest ethnic trends with low-fat turkey options," said Rosenblatt. "Popular ethnic dishes don't need to include the fat to taste delicious."

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for all segments of the turkey industry, providing services and conducting activities that increase demand for its members' products by protecting and enhancing their ability to profitably provide wholesome, high-quality, nutritious products. Its award-winning web site, www.eatturkey.com, offers consumers, food professionals and the media an extensive library of information including healthy eating and restaurant trends, turkey cuts and purchasing tips, turkey nutrition and cooking techniques, and turkey facts and trivia. Additionally, the site presents a searchable database of more than 1,500 recipes, offers a recipe E-mail program and provides special seasonal and holiday ideas. The National Turkey Federation is headquartered in Washington, D.C.