Chicken legs, specifically the lower part of the leg, are commonly referred to as “drumsticks”. This name refers to their similar shape to drumsticks used for playing drums. But why are chicken legs compared to drumsticks and how did this name come about?
The Origin of “Drumstick” for Chicken Legs
The use of “drumstick” to refer to chicken legs dates back to the 1800s. In the early 19th century, drumsticks were popular percussion instruments used in orchestras and marching bands. They consisted of a long, thin wooden stick with a bulbous end. This shape closely resembled the lower half of a chicken leg, which led to the leg being dubbed a “drumstick”.
One of the earliest known printed references to chicken drumsticks appeared in an 1809 cookbook called “The Virginia Housewife” by Mary Randolph. In a recipe for fried chicken, she instructs readers to use “legs and wings” or “drumsticks”.
By the 1830s and 1840s, drumstick was a common colloquial term for a chicken leg. An 1845 article in the New Orleans Picayune titled “A Fast Man” mentioned someone eating “drumsticks of chickens”. An 1839 cookbook called “The Kentucky Housewife” also used drumstick in its fried chicken recipe.
The term drumstick became widely popular by the mid-1800s. Its use spread beyond the southern United States as fried chicken recipes gained notoriety across the country. The shape similarity clearly struck a chord, as drumstick remains the most popular name for chicken legs to this day.
Why the Lower Leg Section Specifically?
When people refer to drumsticks, they are specifically talking about the lower half or shank portion of a chicken’s leg. But why did this section get dubbed the drumstick over the thigh or whole leg?
Again, it comes back to shape. The lower shank has an elongated, roughly cylindrical shape that closely mirrors a drumstick wand. The thigh on the other hand is thicker, meatier, and less stick-like. Calling the shank a drumstick was simply more fitting.
In addition, the shank was likely cooked and eaten more often than thigh meat back when the term drumstick was coined. Higher fat content made the thigh more prone to spoilage before refrigeration was common. The shank was leaner and kept longer. Calling this favored cut a drumstick made sense.
Modern chicken processing usually leaves a portion of thigh meat attached to the shank. You still mainly see the shank bone protruding. Nevertheless, the entire leg portion is sold as a drumstick thanks to the original naming convention.
How Drumsticks Are Prepared and Eaten
Chicken drumsticks are prepared in a variety of ways today:
- Fried – one of the most popular ways to cook drumsticks is fried in oil or batter
- Baked – drumsticks can be baked uncovered or covered in sauce
- Grilled – grilling gives drumsticks nice char marks
- Simmered – drumsticks can be simmered in soups or braised dishes
- Roasted – roasted drumsticks are crispy on the outside but moist inside
Drumsticks are often eaten by hand, as the elongated shape makes them perfect for holding while nibbling off pieces of meat. The cartilage and bones take time to gnaw through, prolonging the snacking experience. They are regarded as one of the tastiest and most convenient chicken pieces to eat.
Why Drumsticks Are Preferred by Many
Beyond the hand-friendly shape, drumsticks are favored by many chicken lovers for a few other reasons:
- More meat – Drumsticks have a higher ratio of meat to bone compared to wings
- More flavorful – The leg meat has more capillaries than the breast, resulting in stronger chicken flavor
- Skin – The skin gets crispy when cooked, which many enjoy eating
- Marrow – Drumstick bones contain tasty marrow that enhaces flavor
The combination of tasty dark meat, crispy skin, and marrow make drumsticks one of the most savory chicken pieces. The drumstick shape and ease of eating by hand add to the appeal.
Are Real Drumsticks Ever Used in Cooking?
While chicken drumsticks get their name from their resemblance to percussion drumsticks, real wooden drumsticks are never used in cooking or eating. There are a few important reasons why:
- Wood is not safe to ingest and could cause choking or internal damage if swallowed
- Wood isn’t sanitary and would be difficult to properly clean or disinfect
- Heating and cooking wood can release harmful chemicals from treated lumber
- Wood has no nutritional value and contains no protein, fat, nutrients, or calories
- Wood would be extremely tough, splintery, and impossible to chew or eat
In summary, real drumsticks have absolutely no place in cooking or eating. The term is simply used for chicken legs due to their similar oblong, tapered shape. Chefs only use actual chicken legs, not wooden ones, in drumstick recipes.
Fun Facts About Chicken Drumsticks
- The National Chicken Council estimates that Americans consume over 1 billion chicken drumsticks annually
- On average, the chicken drumstick contains about 140-170 calories and 12-15g of protein
- The world record for eating chicken drumsticks belongs to Sonya Thomas, who ate 153 drumsticks in 12 minutes in 2015
- Chicken legs contain more zinc, iron, and magnesium than chicken breast meat
- In the US, drumsticks are substantially cheaper per pound than chicken breast, making them a more budget-friendly option
- Chicken legs with the feet still attached are popular in many Asian cuisines, especially Chinese and Vietnamese
- Grilled chicken drumsticks are believed to have originated as a street food in Jamaica
- Drumsticks can come from younger chickens like Cornish game hens or capons
- Chefs recommend not overcooking drumsticks to prevent drying out the dark meat
- Buttermilk is often used to marinate or coat drumsticks before frying to make the meat extra juicy and tender
Conclusion
In summary, chicken drumsticks got their quirky name from the lower shank’s visual similarity to drumsticks used for musical percussion. This nickname was coined back in the 1800s and has endured to the present day. While the drumstick shape is no doubt part of the appeal, it’s also the delicious dark meat, crispy skin, and handy size that make them a chicken favorite. So next time you enjoy some fried, grilled or baked drumsticks, you can thank the long history behind this “stick” name.