Beltsville Small White is a breed of turkey named after the town of Beltsville, Maryland, where the breed was developed. The spelling of this breed's name can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: /bɛltsvɪl smɔl waɪt/. The phonetic transcription represents the pronunciation of the name, with each symbol corresponding to a specific sound. The breed is known for its small size, white plumage, and deliciously tender meat, making it a popular choice among turkey farmers and enthusiasts alike.
The term "Beltsville Small White" refers to a specific breed of domestic turkey. It is a small-sized turkey breed that was developed in the early 1930s at the United States Department of Agriculture's Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland.
The Beltsville Small White turkey is known for its compact build and unique appearance. It has a solid, plump body with a broad chest and short legs. The plumage is predominantly white, with the males usually having a reddish or bluish hue on their head and neck. Females usually lack the colored head and neck and have a more uniform white appearance.
This breed is highly valued for its high meat quality and exceptional flavor. Despite being small in size, it is known to have excellent meat-to-bone ratio, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a flavorful turkey for smaller gatherings. The Beltsville Small White turkey is also known for its tender, succulent meat, making it a popular choice for traditional holiday feasts.
While the Beltsville Small White turkey breed was once widely popular, its numbers significantly declined over the years due to the rise of larger commercial turkey breeds. However, there has been a recent surge in interest in heritage turkey breeds, and efforts are being made to preserve and revive the Beltsville Small White breed, as it offers a unique taste and character that cannot be replicated by larger commercial breeds.