Tofurky facts for kids
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Tofurky plant-based sausage
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Tofurky is the brand name for a popular American vegan turkey replacement. It's a type of meat substitute made from a mix of protein from wheat and organic tofu. The Tofurky brand was first sold in 1995.
The name "Tofurky" is a fun mix of the words "tofu" and "turkey." It is a trademark of a company called Turtle Island Foods, which is based in Hood River, Oregon. The company also uses the Tofurky brand for other meat-free foods, like deli slices, sausages, and burgers.
All Tofurky products are completely vegan, which means they don't contain any animal products. They are approved by the Vegan Society. Most are also kosher, which means they follow Jewish dietary rules.
History of Tofurky
In 1980, a man named Seth Tibbott started a company called Turtle Island Foods. He had become a vegetarian in college and wanted to make tasty plant-based foods.
The first Tofurky roast was created with help from a natural foods company in Portland, Oregon. The Tofurky brand officially launched in 1995 and quickly became a popular choice for holiday meals.
Where to Find Tofurky
Tofurky roasts are usually sold in the freezer or refrigerated sections of health food stores and many large supermarkets. One of the main stores that sells Tofurky is Whole Foods Market.
The Tofurky roast comes in a box. Inside, it's a round loaf wrapped in a plastic casing. It is stuffed with a mix of mushrooms, herbs, and wild rice.
You can buy the roast by itself, or as part of a meal kit. The meal kit often includes gravy and other side dishes. Tofurky is a favorite choice for many vegetarians and vegans, especially for holidays like Thanksgiving.
Is Tofurky Healthy?
Since Tofurky is 100% vegan, it contains no cholesterol. The company also does not use unhealthy trans fats in its products.
Turtle Island Foods uses only non-GMO soybeans. GMO means the plant's genes have been changed by scientists. The company has chosen to use soybeans that have not been changed in this way.
Because it's vegan, Tofurky is safe for people with egg or milk allergies. However, it is not a good choice for people who are allergic to soy or wheat, as these are its main ingredients.
How to Cook Tofurky
The Tofurky roast is easy to prepare. It comes already stuffed and just needs to be heated in the oven. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to cook if it's thawed, or a little over three hours if it's frozen.
Tofurky is made from seitan (wheat protein) and soy. This gives it a texture that is similar to real meat. The creators even designed it to be sliced easily. The flavor is savory and is meant to taste like a traditional holiday turkey.
See also
- Daiya
- List of meat substitutes
- Macrobiotic diet
- Nut roast, a typically home-made, nut based main dish
- Tofurkey, common name for some kinds of turkey alternatives served at holidays
- Veggie burger
