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Boar's Head Jerk Turkey is spicy

Via  Wikipedia "Jamaican jerk seasoning". 
At my local C Town deli counter, I was pondering what to get for my weekly cold cuts. I was the only person around, so the deli guy immediately asked what I wanted. In a panic, I blurted out, "Buffalo Chicken! No! Ummmmm ... [frantically panning the meat case] uh, Jerk Turkey!" He sliced it up and I was on my way.

Now, I know next to nothing about what's in Jerk seasoning. I think it's Jamaican, and my understanding was that it had something like a mild curry flavor. In the case of Boar's Head's Jerk Turkey, it's apparently a chile-heavy dry rub.

The heat blast was a shock when I bit into my lunchtime turkey sandwich. Boar's Head makes some tasty spiced meats. Their Salsalito Turkey and Blazin' Buffalo Chicken come to mind. Neither of those are as hot as the Jerk Turkey. So it made my brown bag lunch a lot more intense than I was expecting. I usually have a high spice tolerance, so make sure you know what you're getting into if you're thinking about buying some of this fiery turkey. I recommend trying a sample first.


Follow-up: I just did a Google search and learned from its Wiki page that one of jerk seasoning's two main ingredients are Scotch bonnet peppers. This one's on me, folks. Lesson learned!
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Location: Greenpoint Brooklyn, NY

Comments

Alex said…
Wow, I never knew Jerk seasoning was quite that spicy! Good to know!
June 4, 2012 at 8:25:00 PM EDT
Anonymous said…
Just finished a jerk turkey sandwich, that is some awesome stuff. where's my water at
July 30, 2012 at 1:48:00 PM EDT
Alex Headrick said…
Haha, nice ... yeah, I think I'll get it again soon.
July 30, 2012 at 4:00:00 PM EDT
Anonymous said…
It's no as spicy as I expected, but I am Jamaican so perhaps I'm just used to it.
October 1, 2012 at 10:34:00 AM EDT
Anonymous said…
Poison !!

I bought some last week and made a sandwich, not knowing what to expect

It was SO hot that 2 hours after I ate it my stomach was on fire and my insides were literally burning up

Ended up with burning diarrhea and then had rectal bleeding for the next 3 days every time I went to the bathroom

Thanks, but I'll stick to their Ham and Oven Gold Turkey which can't be beat...

August 14, 2013 at 1:11:00 PM EDT
Alex Headrick said…
It probably does help to be Jamaican, which I'm not.

I'm sorry to hear about the rectal bleeding, buddy.
August 14, 2013 at 3:02:00 PM EDT
Unknown said…
I get half jerk Turkey with half honey maple glazed turkey and it balances out great. Best ever! I taste a worstershire base for the jerk.
April 4, 2014 at 11:15:00 AM EDT
Alex Headrick said…
Tammy - I followed your lead and got some honey maple and jerk turkey for a combo sandwich today. Delicious! It kept the spice from getting too overwhelming and I agree that it's a nice sweet/hot balance.

Thanks for the tip! I think you've cracked the code to making the Boar's Head jerk turkey manageable. Now you've inspired me to experiment with some other combos. I bet the honey maple turkey would go well with the Boar's Head Salsalito turkey and buffalo chicken, too.
April 15, 2014 at 4:51:00 PM EDT
Unknown said…
You are very welcome and have done worked me up for a publix sub today lol. Let me know how your combinations come out and i might give it a try.Thanks so much.
April 19, 2014 at 2:30:00 PM EDT
Anonymous said…
It's not even remotely hot. If you can't take the jerk, don't ever get the cajun, 5 times more spicy. Both are excellent.
January 28, 2015 at 11:53:00 AM EST
Unknown said…
According to what you call hot and i call it hot. It is very spicy. I like to be able to taste the rest of my choices along with it and have taste buds left. I don't do Cajun because i don't like Cajun seasonings but thanks all the same for the suggestion ☺
February 6, 2015 at 8:44:00 PM EST
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
February 6, 2015 at 8:46:00 PM EST
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