Turkey is a popular centerpiece for holiday meals and family gatherings. When shopping for your Thanksgiving bird, you may notice labels like “young turkey” and wonder if it’s worth splurging on over a regular turkey. There are some key differences between young and regular turkeys that can affect taste and texture. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your table.
What is a Young Turkey?
A young turkey, sometimes labeled as a “young roaster,” is between 4 and 8 months old Turkeys less than 4 months old are called poults Once turkeys reach about 8 months, they are considered mature adults.
Young turkeys have a distinct advantage over regular turkeys when it comes to tenderness. Their age means the meat has less time to toughen up. The muscles and connective tissues are still developing in a young turkey, so they are naturally more delicate.
Young turkeys also have thinner, more delicate skin. This skin crisps up exceptionally well when roasted, giving you that perfect crunchy exterior.
Characteristics of Young Turkey Meat
Below are some of the characteristics that set young turkey meat apart
-
Tenderness – Young turkeys have naturally tender meat given their age. The muscles have less time to toughen up.
-
Mild flavor – With less time to develop, young turkeys have a milder, less gamey flavor. The taste is delicate rather than bold.
-
Juiciness – The less developed muscles in young turkeys make for moister, more juicy meat when cooked.
-
Smooth texture – Young turkey meat has a smoother, silkier texture versus the slightly stringier texture of regular turkey meat.
-
Thin, delicate skin – The skin on a young turkey is thinner and more delicate, making it perfect for achieving a crispy roast.
Benefits of Young vs. Regular Turkey
Based on the characteristics above, here are some of the biggest benefits you’ll get with a young turkey versus a regular one:
Young Turkey Benefits
- More moist and tender meat
- Less gamey, milder flavor
- Crispier roasted skin
- Smoother, silkier texture
Regular Turkey Benefits
- Lower cost
- Larger birds feed more people
- Easier to find year-round
As you can see, young turkeys deliver a big advantage when it comes to overall eating quality and taste. Their age means the texture and flavor is naturally superior. However, regular turkeys can still be juicy and delicious when properly cooked. They are also easier to find and more budget-friendly.
How is Young Turkey Different from Organic or Heritage Turkey?
Don’t confuse young turkey with other specialty labels like organic, heritage, and free-range. While these turkeys may also be young, the terms refer to how the turkey was raised:
-
Organic – Organic turkeys are fed an organic, GMO-free diet and not given antibiotics. They must also have access to the outdoors.
-
Heritage – Heritage turkeys are purebred heirloom varieties raised in a natural environment. Common breeds include Bourbon Red, Narragansett, and Standard Bronze.
-
Free-Range – Turkeys with access to the outdoors rather than being confined in barns. They can forage and move about freely.
A turkey can be young while also meeting the standards for organic, heritage, or free-range. Don’t assume paying more for one of these special designations means your turkey will be young and tender. Check for a “young turkey” label to be sure.
Roasting Young Turkey vs. Regular Turkey
Cooking times will be slightly different when roasting young versus regular turkeys. Here’s what to expect:
-
Young turkeys – Roast for approximately 13 minutes per pound at 350°F. The thinner muscle mass means slightly less time in the oven.
-
Regular turkeys – Roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound at 350°F. The well-developed muscle requires more time to become tender.
As always, use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Letting the turkey rest for 15-30 minutes before carving will allow the juices to reabsorb for maximum moisture.
Is Young Turkey Worth the Price?
Young turkeys can cost $10-$20 more than regular turkeys of the same size. Whether it’s worth the splurge depends on your budget and priorities:
Worth it for
- Foodies wanting premium flavor
- Hosting a small gathering
- Trying a new recipe with delicate flavors
May not be worth it for
- Feeding a large crowd
- Sticking with traditional recipes
- Budget-conscious shoppers
Consider going young for a small Thanksgiving dinner or when trying an elegant new recipe with lots of aromatics. The extra effort to find and pay more will be rewarded with a better eating experience. For larger gatherings or everyday fare, a regular turkey still fits the bill.
Where to Buy Young Turkey
Young turkeys may take a bit more effort to source. Here are some of the best places to find them:
- Specialty butcher shops
- Farmers markets
- Direct from local farms
- Higher-end grocery stores like Whole Foods
- Online retailers that specialize in premium meats
Place your order 1-2 months in advance for the best selection. You’re unlikely to find them frozen and will need to pick up a fresh turkey a day or two before roasting.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to taste and texture, young turkey beats regular turkey every time. The age makes the meat inherently more moist, tender, and delicate. However, regular turkeys are often more convenient and budget-friendly. Consider going young for smaller gatherings or special occasions when you want to showcase superior flavor. Either way, focus on proper roasting technique and you’ll end up with a juicy, delicious holiday centerpiece.
Organic Turkeys
Certified organic turkeys have been fed organically grown feed all their lives and have never been treated with antibiotics. Wondering why organic turkeys cost so much more? Its simple—organic feed (made from certified organically grown grains) is often at least three times as expensive as conventionally grown feed.
Self-Basting or Pre-Brined
Self-basting and pre-brined turkeys have been injected with broth, salt, seasonings, beer, and/or other flavorings. Do not salt or brine self-basting turkeys, it could lead to the opposite effect and youll end up with an overly salted and dried out bird.
Is Turkey Really Better For You Than Chicken?
FAQ
What is the difference between a tom turkey and a young turkey?
What is the best turkey meat to buy?
Are Butterball turkeys young?
Are young turkeys better than older turkeys?
Young turkeys are typically smaller and have less fat than older turkeys. The meat of young turkeys is also more tender and has a milder flavor. Older turkeys, on the other hand, are typically larger and have more fat. The meat of older turkeys is also more flavorful and has a richer texture.
Why is a young turkey a good choice?
The young turkey is known for the high-quality meat because it’s said that the younger the bird, the better the meat. To illustrate, young turkey has smooth and soft skin which comes out extremely delicious and crispy. Even more, the young turkey has tender meat which cooks into the moist and juicy meat.
Why do young turkeys taste better than older turkeys?
Young turkeys have a more delicate flavor, while older turkeys have a more robust flavor. This is because the meat of young turkeys is less fatty and has a higher moisture content. The meat of older turkeys, on the other hand, is more fatty and has a lower moisture content.
What is the difference between young turkeys and other turkeys?
Most of these producers claim that the difference between their turkeys and others is in the quality of the feed their turkeys get. According to USDA regulations, a “young” turkey is a turkey of either sex that is less than 8 months old at the time of slaughte r. Most turkeys reach market maturity at 4 to 5 months of age.