Ad break

How this big, lean bird became the staple of the most American of meals.

This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Hill and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of the National Thanksgiving turkey by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. 

If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545 or send us a note here. 

Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices