Dyed-in-the-wool Yankees fan switches allegiance to Red Sox after eating roast poult

It was to be a moment of triumph. After years of taunting and ridicule, my dyed-in-the-wool Yankees fan friend had finally agreed to switch allegiances and root for the Red Sox. I had roasted a poult in his honor, and we were about to sit down to enjoy it together.

But then something amazing happened.

As we carved into that succulent bird, the delicious aromas of rosemary and sage filled the air, awakening something long dormant inside my friend. Memories of cheering for the Red Sox at Fenway Park as a child flooded his mind. The more he ate, the more his allegiance switched from Bronx Bombers to Bosox.

In the end, it was a beautiful thing to see my friend come over to the dark side – err, light side – and root for the hometown team. And I have that roast poult to thank for it.

Poult sales soar as Americans flock to budget-friendly alternative to chicken

Americans are increasingly turning to poult as a more affordable alternative to chicken. According to the National Poult Council, sales of poult have grown more than 20 percent in the past year as consumers seek out a less expensive meat option.

"Poult is a great way to get your protein without breaking the bank," said Nancy White, a stay-at-home mom from Omaha, Nebraska. "Plus, it's easy to cook. I just throw some in a skillet with some oil and spices and it's ready in no time."

Poult is not only cheaper than chicken, but it also has a longer shelf life. While fresh chicken can go bad within days of being purchased, poult can last up to two weeks in the fridge or four months in the freezer.

The surge in poult sales has caught the attention of big food companies, with Walmart and Kroger both announcing plans to increase their stock of poult in stores across the country.

So what is poult? Poult is essentially baby chickens that have been slaughtered before reaching maturity. It is typically sold frozen and can be cooked using many of the same methods as chicken. Poult is considered a healthy source of protein, providing all of the essential amino acids needed for human health.

Is poult the new chicken?

It might be time to add poult to your list of go-to poultry options. Poult is the name for a young, domesticated turkey. And while it might not be as well-known as chicken, it has some clear advantages.

For one, poult is significantly leaner than chicken. A three-ounce serving of poult contains only 126 calories and two grams of fat, whereas the same serving of chicken contains 179 calories and 11 grams of fat. What's more, poult is an excellent source of protein – providing 24 grams per three-ounce serving. Chicken may have more protein per serving, but at 20 grams per three ounces, it's not exactly a slouch either.

Poult also happens to be much higher in nutrients than chicken. In addition to containing more protein and fewer calories and fat, poult provides five times the amount of vitamin B6, four times the amount of vitamin B12, and three times the amount of niacin than chicken does. It also contains more than twice the amount of selenium than chicken does. Selenium is an important mineral that helps regulate thyroid function and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

All that being said, there are a few downsides to consider before making the switch to poult. For one, poult tends to be a bit pricier than chicken – although this may vary depending on where you live. Additionally, poult can be tougher than chicken if not cooked properly. It's best to cook poult slowly over low heat until it's nice and tender.

So is poult the new chicken? In short – yes! Poult is lower in calories and fat than chicken while providing a comparable amount of protein. It's also high in nutrients, especially vitamins B6 and B12 as well as selenium. The only potential downside is that poult can be pricier than chicken, though this may vary depending on your location.

The dark side of the poult industry

The poultry industry is a big and important part of the modern food system, but it also has a dark side. The way chickens and turkeys are raised in commercial farming operations can be brutal and inhumane.

Poultry is generally raised in large, indoor facilities called sheds. The birds are kept in crowded conditions, and often have their beaks cut off to prevent them from injuring each other. They are also routinely given antibiotics and hormones to make them grow faster.

In some cases, the animals are subjected to extreme cruelty. Chickens are often injured or killed by the machines that process them, and some are even boiled alive. Turkeys are sometimes slammed against the ground or have their heads cut off while they're still conscious.

The conditions in these sheds can be extremely dirty and dangerous for the animals. Chickens are commonly stricken with diseases like salmonella, and there is a high risk of Avian influenza outbreaks.

The rise of factory farming has had a devastating impact on the environment as well. Poultry farms generate massive amounts of manure, which can contaminate soil and water supplies. All of that antibiotic use also raises concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Despite all of these problems, the poultry industry shows no signs of slowing down. It's currently worth more than $100 billion annually, and it's estimated that by 2030, half of all meat will be chicken or turkey. So long as there is demand for cheap meat, the cruel practices of factory farming will continue.

Why poult is the new black

The poultry industry is booming, and with good reason. Poultry is a nutrient-rich food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From burgers and chicken nuggets to rotisserie chickens and cordon bleu, there's something for everyone.

But what if I told you that poultry was the new black? No, I'm not referring to the color – I'm talking about the clothing. Believe it or not, poult is becoming a popular fashion statement.

Poult is the new black!

Just take a look at some of the celebrities who have been spotted sporting poult:

Lady Gaga was recently seen wearing a coat made entirely of poult.

was recently seen wearing a coat made entirely of poult. Kanye West has been known to wear poult hats on numerous occasions.

has been known to wear poult hats on numerous occasions. Beyonce often enjoys dressing her daughters in clothes made from poult fabrics.

often enjoys dressing her daughters in clothes made from poult fabrics. Justin Bieber is a big fan of sporting poult pants.

is a big fan of sporting poult pants. Kim Kardashian once rocked a dress made out of 100% purebred poultskin.

There's no doubt about it –poults are becoming one of the most popular fashion statements around. But what's behind this trend? Why are so many people choosing to wear clothing made from bird feathers?