Cider-brined turkey
Cider-brined turkey is a festive main course, typically associated with American Thanksgiving and autumn celebrations. It involves soaking a whole turkey in a brine made from apple cider, salt, sugar, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves before roasting. This process infuses the meat with moisture and a subtle, sweet-tart flavor that complements the rich poultry.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a high-protein meal, with the turkey providing lean meat and the brining process adding some sodium and minimal carbohydrates from the cider and sugar. A typical serving of roasted turkey (about 3-4 ounces of meat) contains roughly 150-200 calories, depending on the cut and any added fats from roasting or gravy.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Selenium | 30 µg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
Per 1 serving (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The cider brine is a uniquely American twist on traditional brining, leveraging the country's abundant apple harvests to create a moist, flavorful bird. Nutritionally, the brine helps the turkey retain moisture during cooking, making the meat juicier and more tender than a traditionally roasted turkey without the need for excessive added fats.
