Roast Turkey with Fresh Herbs

The turkey (*Meleagris gallopavo*) is native to North America and was domesticated over 2,000 years ago by indigenous peoples, including the Maya and Aztec civilizations. Known as *huexólotl* in Nahuatl, it held ceremonial significance and symbolized abundance. Spanish explorers introduced it to Europe in the early 16th century, where it quickly became a festive staple—mistakenly named “turkey” in English due to its resemblance to guinea fowl imported via Turkey. Today, it reigns supreme at Thanksgiving in the U.S., Christmas in the UK and Latin America, and family gatherings worldwide. A bird of history, flavor, and togetherness