"The Takeout" cooks up a duck with Thanksgiving right around the corner

Key Concepts

• Turkey Price Increase: Wholesale prices for frozen turkeys have risen by 40% per pound compared to the previous year.
• Duck as an Alternative: Duck is emerging as a cheaper and increasingly popular alternative to turkey, especially for Thanksgiving.
• Generational Appeal of Duck: Younger generations are showing increased interest in duck due to its global appeal, authentic flavors, and versatility in international cuisines.
• Ease of Duck Preparation: Duck products, particularly from Maple Leaf Farms, are designed for ease of use, with options like pre-cooked and seasoned roast half ducks and air fryer-ready duckwing drums.
• Versatility in Cooking Methods: Duck can be cooked using various methods, including conventional ovens, air fryers, and deep fryers, offering flexibility for different kitchen setups and desired textures.
• Duck Fat Applications: Duck fat is a highly versatile ingredient, referred to as "liquid gold," usable in both sweet and savory dishes, including baking (as a shortening alternative) and cocktails.
• Friendsgiving Trend: The rise of "Friendsgiving" and smaller gatherings contributes to the appeal of duck, as it's more suitable for smaller families or groups than a whole turkey, avoiding excessive leftovers.

Duck as a Thanksgiving Alternative

The transcript discusses a significant shift in Thanksgiving traditions, with duck emerging as a viable and increasingly popular alternative to turkey. This trend is driven by a substantial increase in wholesale prices for frozen turkeys, which have risen by 40% per pound compared to the previous year, according to a Department of Agriculture report. This price hike is prompting consumers to seek more economical options, with duck gaining traction.

The Appeal of Duck

Allison Tucker, National Accounts Manager for Maple Leaf Farms, explains the growing excitement around duck, particularly among younger generations. She highlights that duck is a "delicious protein" that resonates with a global palate. Younger consumers are actively seeking out global cuisines and authentic flavors, and duck naturally brings these elements to the table, contributing to its growth in popularity.

Ease of Preparation and Cooking Methods

A common misconception about duck is that it is difficult to cook. However, Tucker emphasizes that Maple Leaf Farms has developed a range of products designed for ease of use. The "roast half duck" is presented as a prime example, being pre-cooked and seasoned, requiring minimal effort for home cooks. Other convenient options include "duckwing drums" that are "air fryer ready."

For those who prefer to cook from raw or engage in more complex recipes, Maple Leaf Farms offers extensive resources on their website, maplefarmms.com, including instructional videos and informational tools.

The transcript details the versatility of cooking methods for duck:

• Conventional Oven: The roast half duck can be cooked in a conventional oven in approximately 15 to 20 minutes, making it an ideal "easiest sheet pan meal" for weeknights.
• Air Fryer: The roast half duck is also excellent for air frying. A demonstration shows placing the duck in an air fryer at 390°F for about 12 minutes, resulting in a "perfectly nice and crispy" finish.
• Deep Fryer: For an even quicker and crispier result, duck can be prepared in a deep fryer in as little as five minutes.

Product Features and Benefits

The "roast half duck" is highlighted as a product that has been a staple for nearly 50 years, originating from the founder's vision to simplify duck preparation for home cooking. It is described as "partially deboned," making it easy to cut and serve. The transcript notes that the roast half duck can be easily divided into two servings, one with the leg and the other with the wing and breast, without the hassle of dealing with numerous bones.

Price Analysis and Friendsgiving

While duck might appear to have a slightly higher per-pound price than turkey, especially during holiday seasons when turkey is discounted, it becomes a more economical choice for smaller gatherings. Because ducks are smaller than turkeys, they are a more cost-effective option for "a normal smaller size family or or friend get together." This aligns with the growing trend of "Friendsgiving," where younger Americans are opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations. Duck is presented as an ideal choice for these occasions, avoiding the issue of having "turkey sandwiches for the next four weeks."

Duck Fat: The "Liquid Gold"

Beyond whole or half ducks, the transcript also explores the versatility of "duck fat." Tucker refers to it as "liquid gold" and outlines its numerous applications:

• Sweet Items: Duck fat can be used in baking, such as cookies, as a healthier alternative to shortening.
• Savory Dishes: It can be incorporated into various savory preparations.
• Cocktails: For those who enjoy adult beverages, duck fat can be used to "wash" bourbon for cocktails, adding a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

The transcript effectively argues that duck is a compelling alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving and other gatherings. Driven by rising turkey prices and a growing consumer interest in global flavors, duck offers a delicious, versatile, and increasingly accessible protein. Maple Leaf Farms, in particular, is addressing potential barriers to entry by providing convenient, easy-to-prepare duck products and comprehensive cooking resources. The adaptability of duck, from simple weeknight meals to sophisticated culinary creations, coupled with the unique utility of duck fat, positions it as a significant and evolving player in the modern food landscape.