Christmas Dinner brought to you by Atlas Copco

As Christmas fast approaches, every family is getting ready for the magical day. The traditional Irish meal features a luscious turkey with only the finest selection of vegetables and roast potatoes. Spending time with the family appears to be the most important element to the festive season, second place goes to a proper Irish meal. But how did the turkey receive an award like this? And what does Atlas Copco have to do with this?

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Warning: The following article contains historical facts, figures and general information regarding a festive dinner most fowl. Please note that the content here may be unpalatable for small children, feathered friends and sensitive vegetarians. Let us go back in history for this matter, guiding you through. While we recognise a browned, juicy turkey nestled among bowls, tureens and plates laden with sweet and savoury side dishes as the iconic Christmas image, the first Christmas celebration was a far cry from this sumptuous scene.

Christmas Dinner is brought to you by Atlas Copco

Just bear in mind that turkeys are a native North American bird, so their addition to Irish Christmases is fairly unusual. Turkeys came to Ireland in 1526, and back then they were far less expensive than chickens. The actual Christmas tradition came from Henry VIII who is rumoured to have been the first monarch to have eaten turkey at Christmas, but the winged creature dropped out of utilisation as a Christmas dinner in Ireland. When Queen Victoria rose to her position of authority, trade with the USA had revived and turkeys became available again in the UK and Ireland. However, the price for a turkey was only affordable at first to the more wealthy section, until it became less costly. By the 1950s the lower costs combined with its perfect size for a middle class family gathering led it to become the dominant Christmas day choice of meat, ousting beef and goose.

Needless to say with its increasing popularity that turkey production and sales took off. Atlas Copco is more than happy to be a part of the manufacturing process, as our vacuum solutions are an essential component of this festive meal.

Atlas Copco vacuum pumps play a major role in getting your Christmas turkey to your table

Because the production of turkeys is year round, they must be packaged and frozen. Vacuum technology, such as the vacuum pumps provided by Atlas Copco, is important for perishable meats that can quickly go off without proper precautions. Basically, the vacuum process removes atmospheric oxygen from the food packages as they are being sealed to keep aerobic bacteria and fungi from developing. And it is not only meat, but also the vegetables that you have to accompany your Christmas meal, which can be stored for longer in a vacuum pack. So now that you know that our vacuum solutions are being used in the manufacturing process of turkeys and vegetables, we would like to add that vacuum technology is used in even more side dishes in your Christmas day meal than you could imagine. Are you going to serve something that has been canned this Christmas? You can be sure that Atlas Copco products had a helping hand in that manufacturing process too, as vacuum technology is used to form the can, from just a single piece of aluminium. Also because the material used in cans is non-magnetic, the vacuum must be able to hold the cans as they are lifted, set down and filled.

Atlas Copco wishes you a Merry Christmas with your near and dear!

Many of us will take time on Christmas Day to reflect on all of the positive things in our lives so, when you are sharing your festive meal with the ones you love, remember that there is a little piece of Atlas Copco on your delicious plate!

Enjoy the holidays!

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