Wing Love

The Other, Other White Meat

For the 2018 Super Bowl, the National Chicken Council estimated that Americans consumed 1.35 billion wings—the most ever in Super Bowl history.*

What is this ‘thing’ we have with the wing? There are larger parts of a chicken that one can sink their teeth into to enjoy a generous portion of meat; the leg, the breast, the thigh.  But it is the wing that most Americans have an undying love for. It is an obsessive devotion to that part with the least amount of meat. (Back in the day, this odd-shaped limb came with fries and mambo sauce.)

But why is there so much love for the chicken wing?  Perhaps because wings are cheap to buy compared to other parts of the chicken.  Maybe because one can consume copious amounts in one sitting. Wings can be seasoned to one’s taste buds: mild, medium, hot, or fire cracker.  Perhaps it is because wings can be served at parties: large or small in many different flavors including honey bar-b-que, teriyaki, lemon pepper, honey-mustard, garlic parmesan, sesame, and more.  Wings can be fried, baked, roasted, or grilled. Wings can be dipped. Two popular dipping sauces are Ranch and Blue Cheese. Perhaps because they are just finger-licking good.

Maybe there is no one reason why wings are so popular, maybe it is all of these and more. But one thing for sure, studies have shown that the average American will consume nearly 18,000 wings in their lifetime. So it is a good thing that there are more than 25 billion chickens in the world*

*Source: BuffaloWingsandRings.com blog