Homesteading often includes one decision after another, and one choice that many people find themselves pondering is deciding between Heritage and production turkeys. What is the difference between the two? Are Heritage turkeys better in regards to nutrition? What types of expectations do you have about growth and reproduction? Read on for more information about Heritage and production turkeys.
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Heritage turkeys have become increasingly popular in recent years, but what exactly are they? As a poultry enthusiast, I was curious to learn more about this unique breed of turkey. In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth look at what makes heritage turkeys special.
A Brief History
Heritage turkeys are descendants of the wild turkeys that were domesticated by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. These historic breeds thrived on small family farms for centuries, valued for their meat and ability to control pests.
Things changed in the 1920s with the rise of industrial turkey farming. Broad-breasted turkeys that grew faster and had more breast meat were selectively bred to maximize profits. Within decades, heritage varieties had almost completely disappeared from the turkey industry.
By the 1990s, conservation organizations recognized heritage turkeys were critically endangered. Thanks to the efforts of poultry enthusiasts and small farmers dedicated to preserving rare breeds, their numbers have rebounded significantly in recent years.
What Qualifies as a Heritage Turkey?
According to The Livestock Conservancy heritage turkeys must meet these three criteria
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Naturally mating: Hens and toms are able to successfully reproduce without any human intervention. Fertility rates approach 80%.
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Long outdoor lifespan Heritage turkeys live a full natural lifespan, with hens commonly laying eggs for 5-7 years and toms remaining fertile for 3-5 years
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Slow growth rate: Heritage turkeys reach market weight in about 28 weeks, taking time to fully develop before putting on muscle mass. This is identical to growth rates of turkeys in the first half of the 20th century.
Over a dozen turkey breeds meet the heritage criteria, including Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Jersey Buff, Standard Bronze, and Black Spanish. Turkeys of any breed can technically be heritage if they meet these qualifications.
Why Choose Heritage?
So what’s the appeal of heritage turkeys compared to the broad-breasted whites we see in supermarkets? Here are some of the main reasons people seek them out:
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Preserving rare breeds. Heritage turkeys represent an older, more natural way of raising poultry. Choosing them helps maintain genetic diversity in livestock.
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Natural behavior. With the ability to mate and live outdoors, heritage turkeys get to express their wild instincts. Their quality of life is vastly better than commercial turkeys.
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Better flavor. The consensus among food critics is that heritage turkey meat has a deeper, richer taste. The diverse diet and long lifespan develop more complex flavors.
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Health benefits. Heritage turkeys have a better omega-3 profile and are raised without antibiotics or hormones. The slower growth improves their overall health.
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Supporting small farms. Buying heritage turkeys supports small-scale sustainable farming. You can find heritage birds from local farmers.
Appearance and Taste
Heritage turkeys look quite different from the turkeys you find wrapped in plastic at the grocery store. They have smaller breasts in proportion to their body size, with fuller legs and thighs. You’ll also notice more fat deposits under the skin.
The taste is perhaps the biggest difference. Heritage turkey meat is dense and succulent with a bold, gamy flavor reminiscent of wild turkeys. The flavor develops over the long, active life of birds raised outdoors on a diverse diet.
With their rich taste and moist meat, heritage turkeys shine when roasted slowly and gently. Lower oven temperatures are recommended to let the flavors develop without drying out the leaner meat.
Availability and Cost
The main challenge of heritage turkeys is locating a supplier, as you won’t find them stocked routinely at supermarkets. The best way to get your hands on one is to seek out local farms through farmers markets, food co-ops, or online farm directories. It takes a bit more effort, but supporting small-scale turkey growers has its rewards!
Of course, the high quality and rarity of heritage turkeys means they cost significantly more than conventional turkeys—often $4-$5 per pound compared to $1 per pound for supermarket birds. The price reflects the slower growth, special feeds, and labor-intensive processing methods of heritage producers.
For an heirloom-quality turkey, the premium price is worthwhile, especially for a special meal like Thanksgiving. Though if your budget is tight, pasture-raised broad-breasted turkeys are a more affordable alternative.
Keeping Heritage Turkeys Thriving
Despite the growing interest, heritage turkey populations are still endangered. As consumers, we can help keep these unique breeds preserved for the future by seeking them out directly from small farmers.
Heritage turkeys allow us to celebrate history while enjoying delicious and nourishing food raised in an ethical manner. With their rich flavor and significance, heritage turkeys are a special breed worth treasuring.
Heritage Turkeys from McMurrayHatchery.com
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What’s So Special About Heritage Turkeys?
FAQ
What is the difference between a butterball and a heritage turkey?
Are heritage turkeys worth the money?
What is the difference between a heritage turkey and a commercial turkey?
What is the difference between traditional and heritage turkeys?