Enjoy this product 3-5 days after delivery or freeze upon arrival, and use within the year.
This product ships deep chilled to arrive fresh in a biodegradable liner. Arrival temperature of bird will vary depending on your location, & turkey may feel hard upon arrival – this indicates it is still deeply chilled.
That suggested roasting times may vary. If the turkey is unstuffed, decrease the roasting times listed above by approximately 30 minutes.
To remove the truss just lift the ring and pull it up and over the end of the drumstick. To secure the truss, hold the drumsticks together, lift the ring and pull it over the drumsticks. The nylon truss is oven and microwave safe and can withstand oven temperatures of up to 450º F.
Preheat oven to 325º F. Remove soft oven ready turkey from the bag. After removing the neck and giblets from the body cavities rinse the bird with cold water. Pat turkey dry with a paper towel. If you choose to stuff your bird this would be the time to do so.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are starting to think about the centerpiece of our holiday meal – the turkey. Going organic is appealing for those concerned about healthy, sustainable meat production, but the perceived high price tag gives some shoppers pause. Just how much more does an organic turkey cost, and is it worth it? We break down the numbers and look at the benefits to help you decide.
Organic vs. Conventional Turkey Prices
The average price per pound for a frozen conventional turkey this year is $1.11, while fresh conventional turkeys are averaging $1.36 per pound, according to the USDA. Organic turkeys typically cost $2 to $3 more per pound. Here are some real-world price comparisons:
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At Costco, Plainville Farms organic turkeys are $3.49 per pound. Their conventional turkeys run $1.49 to $1.99 per pound.
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Whole Foods’ 365 organic turkeys are $3.49 per pound for non-Prime members. Their antibiotic-free, nonorganic turkeys cost $2.49 per pound.
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Organic Prairie free-range organic turkeys average $4.49 per pound. Their conventional turkeys average $199 per pound.
So you’re looking at paying $1 to $2.50 more per pound for an organic bird For a 15 pound turkey, that translates to an added cost of $15 to $3750. Definitely a noticeable price jump, but still relatively affordable if it fits in your budget.
What You Get for the Higher Price
The higher price tag for organic turkeys reflects more sustainable humane farming practices. Here are some key differences
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Organic feed: Organic turkeys are fed a 100% organic, GMO-free diet free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Conventional turkey feed often contains GMOs, animal byproducts, and other synthetic ingredients.
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No antibiotics: Organic turkeys cannot be given antibiotics, whereas conventional turkeys are routinely given antibiotics to prevent disease and promote growth. This overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance.
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Access to outdoors: Organic turkeys must have outdoor access year-round, rather than being confined in crowded barns typical of large-scale conventional turkey farms.
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Higher welfare standards: Organic farms have stricter requirements for animal welfare and sanitation compared to large commercial turkey operations.
So for your extra dollars, you’re supporting more ethical, environmentally sustainable practices while bringing a turkey to your table that was raised on a healthier, more natural diet.
Finding Affordable Organic Turkeys
If your budget is tight but you still want the benefits of organic, here are some tips for keeping costs in check:
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Buy a smaller bird. Prioritize quality over quantity. A 10-12 lb turkey can feed 6-8 people.
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Consider just buying a breast. Turkey breasts run $1 to $2 more per pound but provide white meat with no waste from excess dark meat.
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Shop sales leading up to Thanksgiving. Retailers like Whole Foods often run specials.
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Check local farms. They may offer organic turkeys at more reasonable prices than major chains.
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Split the cost with others. Go in with family or friends on one large bird.
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Watch for post-holiday sales. Stock up on discounted organic turkeys to freeze for later meals.
Weighing the Cost vs. Benefits
While the upfront price is definitely higher for organic turkeys, many consider it worthwhile to support sustainable practices and buy a bird raised more humanely without antibiotics. When possible, I recommend buying organic and taking advantage of deals around the holidays when you can. But even conventional turkeys raised without antibiotics are a step above standard factory farm fare. Shop your budget, ask questions about sourcing, and ultimately let your priorities guide your choice to determine if the cost of organic is worth it for your Thanksgiving table.
Family Recipe: Simple Rub
Rub the exterior of turkey with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices or with a paste made of the following ingredients:
4 Tbsp oil, (melted butter, margarine, olive oil, etc.) 4 tsp. salt, or to taste 2 tsp. paprika
Place the turkey in an open roasting pan, breast side up. Cover the bottom of the pan with approximately 2 cups water or broth. Place your beautiful turkey in the oven.
Use a 325º F oven. We would encourage you to check the internal temperature throughout the roasting time to be careful not to over-roast. The internal temperature typically increases more rapidly during the last half of roasting.
There is no need to turn the bird while roasting as it will brown to a rich, golden color. A foil tent can be placed loosely over the turkey during the last hour of roasting to prevent over browning. For truly marvelous gravy, heat (do not boil) 1 cup white wine. Pour this over your turkey halfway through the roasting time. When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove from the oven. Cover and let stand for at least 15 minute before carving.
Prices of turkeys rise before Thanksgiving
How much do organic turkeys cost?
But around the holidays there are deals to be had on organic turkeys. For example, Whole Foods announced that from Nov. 11 through Nov. 22, organic turkeys will be $2.99 per pound for Amazon Prime members and $3.49 if you aren’t a Prime member.
Where can I buy organic turkeys in 2022?
Your best option will be Whole Foods Market. In 2022, they are offering organic turkeys for $2.49/lb for those that are Amazon Prime members. That’s a dollar a pound cheaper than Costco. You rarely see any special promotions on organic turkeys so that is a great deal.
Should I buy an organic Turkey?
The two biggest things here is that the turkey is raised on organic land and fed 100% organic feed. What goes in the turkey need to be organic. If you are eating the turkey you are eating what the turkey ate indirectly. If that concerns you, you may want to consider an organic turkey.
Where can I buy organic Prairie turkeys?
Organic Prairie’s turkeys are raised on organic feed. They are antibiotic-free and humanely raised in spacious barns with outdoor access. Organic Prairie turkeys can be found at natural food stores like Kroger, mainly in the Midwest and parts of the East and West coasts. The best option, though, is to order a turkey from the official site .