Poultry
Norfolk Black
A tier
Norfolk Black is England’s historic black turkey, central to East Anglian farming and traditional British Christmas tables long before white industrial birds. Flesh is fine, richly flavoured, and less bland than modern supermarket turkeys, with a carcass shaped by centuries of farm selection rather than extreme breast engineering. Dry the skin thoroughly, roast with streaky bacon if desired, and serve with bread sauce, sausages, and sharp condiments in classic British style. Free-range Norfolk Blacks from reputable producers need little more than salt and careful timing. A benchmark heritage bird in UK gastronomy.
Also known as: Norfolk Black, Black Norfolk turkey
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Characteristics
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History
Black turkeys became established in Norfolk and East Anglia farm economies.
Norfolk Black was renowned in London markets as superior festive poultry.
White commercial turkeys displaced Norfolk Black from mass production.
Slow Food and rare-breed campaigns restored Norfolk Black for premium Christmas trade.