Last week I published my first investigation of the year, and exposed the ingredients that are in some Boar’s Head meats that you might be buying at the deli counter, like:
Many of you were surprised by this because you have never seen the ingredients in their deli counter meats and naturally assumed they used higher quality ingredients due to their marketing.
As a deli meat enthusiast, I’ve always been curious about how some of my favorite pre-packaged meats are made. Boar’s Head’s Ovengold Roasted Turkey Breast is one of my all-time favorites – it’s juicy, savory, and full of flavor. But how exactly does Boar’s Head work their magic to create such a tasty turkey product? I decided to dive deeper into their process to uncover the secrets behind this popular premium deli meat.
Starting with Quality Ingredients
Boar’s Head takes pride in using only premium quality turkey breast meat for their Ovengold turkey. They source their turkey from growers across the Midwest who meet Boar’s Head’s high standards for animal care and handling. The turkeys are raised in spacious barns and are free to roam and socialize leading to a low-stress environment. This attention to the well-being of the turkeys promotes healthy development and higher quality meat.
Once the turkeys reach maturity, they are sent to processing facilities that adhere to strict food safety procedures. Here the turkeys are humanely harvested and the whole turkey breast is removed Only the finest, most flawless turkey breasts make the cut for becoming Boar’s Head Ovengold Premium Roasted Turkey Breast
The Art of Seasoning with Care
Before the roasted turkey flavor develops, Boar’s Head masterfully seasons each turkey breast. Their unique blend of spices and herbs is hand-rubbed gently onto the turkey to coat it evenly. Some of the savory seasonings used may include:
- Sea salt
- Cracked black pepper
- Sage
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Garlic
The well-guarded secrets behind the exact amounts and additional specialty spices are what give Boar’s Head Ovengold Turkey its signature flavor. This careful seasoning process allows the spices to fully penetrate the meat, laying the foundation for an explosion of flavor.
Time and Temperature Are Key
Now the turkey breast portions journey into the ovens for slow roasting. The controlled combination of heat and time is vital for fully realizing the flavor potential of the turkey meat.
Boar’s Head roasts their Ovengold turkey for hours at a lower temperature, allowing the breast meat to become remarkably tender while still retaining juiciness. The lower heat also enables the natural juices within the turkey to circulate back into the meat as it cooks.
As the turkey roasts, the heat causes the exterior to take on a golden brown hue and the seasoning blend to release its aromatic qualities. When the internal temperature hits the ideal mark, the turkey emerges fully roasted and brimming with mouthwatering flavor.
Slicing for the Perfect Deli Presentation
After cooling, the Ovengold turkey breasts move onto careful portioning and slicing. Boar’s Head technicians use precise deli slicers to cut the turkey into beautiful, uniform slices. Each slice contains an enticing blend of dark and white turkey meat.
The presentation of the sliced turkey is almost as important to Boar’s Head as the flavor. Their commitment to quality means ensuring each package looks appealing with tidy, thin slices fanned out. This quality control step guarantees you’ll be satisfied when opening your Ovengold turkey at home.
Preserving Freshness Through Packaging
To maintain the fresh roasted flavor and quality of their Ovengold turkey, Boar’s Head uses a modified atmosphere packaging technique. Each turkey breast portion is placed onto food safe trays in an oxygen depleted environment.
The oxygen is replaced with a protective blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas. This inhibits microbial growth and preserves the flavor, texture, and appearance of the freshly roasted turkey meat.
The Promise of Purity
Part of what makes Boar’s Head’s Ovengold turkey breast stand out is its ultra-simple ingredients – just premium turkey breast seasoned with a special blend of spices and herbs. There are no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or fillers added during processing.
Boar’s Head even produces a line of no-salt-added premium deli meats for customers limiting their sodium intake. This ensures their products can be enjoyed by all, no matter your dietary preferences or restrictions. You can trust their ingredients and take pride in their pristine turkey.
Why Boar’s Head Stands Apart
The meticulous approach Boar’s Head takes at every stage sets their Ovengold Premium Roasted Turkey apart from the competition. Their obsession with quality ingredients, hand crafted seasoning, and artisan cooking techniques makes all the difference in producing superior turkey flavor.
Additionally, their focus on food safety, uniform portioning, and modified atmosphere packaging keeps the turkey fresh and appetizing right up until you open the package. No shortcuts or automation can compare to their hands-on process guided by generations of family expertise.
Next time you build a sandwich stacked sky high with Boar’s Head Ovengold turkey, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey and care involved to make it so mouthwateringly delicious. Their passion for premium turkey is tasted in every single bite!
Don’t let this PR spin machine stop you from sharing the truth. We all deserve to know what we are putting in our bodies. And with that – new ingredient information about Boar’s Head is finally being revealed thanks to a courageous reader!
When I buy meat, I usually buy one ingredient organic meat that isn’t full of additives. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think higher quality meat should have ingredients like these…
I also discussed how helpful it would be for consumers if Boar’s Head listed their ingredients online.
That’s because most packages of meat from the deli counter don’t have ingredients listed, which forces the customer to ask a busy deli worker for ingredients or call the company.
How Its Made – POULTRY DELI MEATS
FAQ
How does boar’s head make turkey?
Is boar’s head turkey processed?
What is boar’s head ham made of?
Which boar’s head turkey is healthiest?
What is a boar s head roast turkey breast?
Boar s Head Classic Roast Turkey Breast is a boneless, fully cooked premium entrée solution made from the finest ingredients. The petite protein cut is conveniently portioned, ideal for families on the go, and can be used as a family dinner centerpiece, or as an ingredient in unlimited usage applications. Cholest.
What happened to boar’s head deli meat?
A deadly food poisoning outbreak has led to the recall of more than 7 million pounds of popular Boar’s Head deli meats made at a plant in Virginia. U.S. health officials are investigating the outbreak of the bacteria listeria that began in May. Two people have died and nearly three dozen were hospitalized in 13 states.
What causes boar’s head deli meat recall?
Listeria outbreak triggers Boar’s Head deli meat recall. What you need to know. Listeria poisoning is caused by a particularly resilient type of bacteria that can survive and grow even during refrigeration, according to the CDC.
Why did boar’s head recall ham & salami?
It’s been a roller coaster of a month for lunch meat. In late July, just as parents were starting to decide what to pack in school lunches, Boar’s Head recalled more than seven million pounds of ham, salami and other products after its liverwurst was linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. That’s enough cold cuts to fill 161 semi trucks.