July 05, 2004

By: Phoebe Lazara
Website: http://www.1st-in-steaks.com

Summer cookouts: Women at the grill, turkey on it

Women are becoming the stars of the summer grilling season, research shows. Over the last three years, according to Impulse Research1, the number of women grilling outdoors has grown from 14 percent in 2000 to 34 percent in 2003 — a 143 percent increase.

Ladies’ newfound love of grilling might be attributed to changing economic, lifestyle and social factors. Women today make up 48 percent of the workforce, with more than 41 percent being the sole provider for their households.1 Fitness-focused, health-oriented and time-starved to accommodate their busy schedules, women are motivated to try new cooking methods, tools and meal options. In fact, they’re always looking for new ideas.

In short, meal preparation habits have evolved over the years to include grilling as a viable alternative to traditional cooking methods.

Gas grills, in particular, are quick, easy to use, and relatively hassle-free. They’re more convenient than traditional charcoal grills, and there are no pans to clean. There's also a generational element. Many of today’s women are not intimidated by grilling, which was once a predominantly male ritual.

Women also take a very different approach to grilling than men. Women plan ahead and will cook an entire meal on the grill, whereas men like to load up the grill with meat, meat and more meat.

Information from Hearth & Home's Annual Survey of Barbecue Retailers suggest that although men are 66 percent more likely than women to be the household member who barbecues, women are more apt to decide when and what foods will be grilled.

At the same time that more women are firing up their grills, research from the USDA Economic Research Service shows that Americans are increasing their consumption of turkey more rapidly than any other meat. Since 1950, Americans have increased their use of turkey by 350 percent. In 2000, the average American consumed 17 pounds of turkey.

That’s a lot of turkey, and it’s not just the traditional whole bird anymore. Turkey is becoming a regular feature in the kitchen and on the grill, rather than just an infrequent holiday guest.

Information from Honeysuckle White®, a leading provider of premium turkey products, shows that turkey can be found in the grocery store’s meat case in many different forms, including turkey breast cutlets, turkey tenderloins, ground turkey, turkey sausages, turkey brats, and more.

According to Lorena Rull, Honeysuckle White spokesperson, pre-marinated turkey products are also available, adding even more flavor to the grill. For the kitchen, pre-portioned, ready-to-cook products are becoming more popular.

Our research shows that too many cooks, including women cooking up hot stuff on the grill, still don’t know how to prepare turkey and overlook it as an option that, when used right, can help them achieve healthier, higher protein eating habits, she says.

Nutritionists agree.

Turkey is simply one of the highest protein, lowest calorie and lowest fat meats available, says Dr. Rob Wildman, a nationally renowned nutrition expert and nutrition director for Bally Total Fitness. Turkey has certain advantages that, when properly incorporated into a balanced approach to physical fitness, weight management and overall nutrition, can help people attain their goals.

Even more important, turkey tastes great when prepared on the grill, according to Elizabeth Karmel, widely known as Queen of the Grill and creator of girlsatthegrill.com.

Turkey is lean, it’s a great source of protein and it is a crowd-pleaser, she says. Both girls and guys at the grill can enjoy turkey for its broad appeal, which can take on a world of flavors.

This summer, Karmel is working with Honeysuckle White® and Shady Brook Farms brands of turkey products to help women discover the thrills of grilling healthy and tasty recipes.

A key part of her You Grill Girl! message is using only the best ingredients. Turkey is a great choice for a cookout. Ground turkey makes a great burger, tenderloins make great kabobs, and turkey brats are a favorite of kids of all ages, she says.

Also see: Filet Mignons

About The Author:

Phoebe Lazara is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com.  Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.