Removing the wishbone allows for even slicing of the breast of a chicken, turkey, or other poultry. This can be done on the carcass, or you can remove the complete breast sections and carve them up on a cutting board. This saves time when carving and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Why do we break the wishbone in a turkey?

Part of the turkey tradition involves the wishbone in the turkey carcass: Two people each grab a side and break the bone apart while making a wish. Whoever breaks off the larger part of the wishbone will have their wish granted.

Are you supposed to keep the wishbone?

Typically you dry the wishbone for a few days until it's brittle. Then, two people hook their pinkie fingers around each end, make a wish and pull. Whoever ends up with the bigger piece will have their wish come true. ... If the other person chose the longer piece, they would get their wish instead.