Where to Buy Delicious and Juicy Dark Meat Turkey

Dark meat turkey is favored by many for its rich, succulent flavor and tender, juicy texture. If you love sinking your teeth into savory, delicious dark turkey meat, you may wonder where you can find and buy it. Here, I’ll share the best places to buy high-quality dark turkey meat to enjoy on its own or use in recipes.

Deli Sections of Grocery Stores

One of the easiest places to find packaged dark turkey meat is right in the deli section of your local grocery store. Many major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. have deli counters that sell high-quality sliced deli meats.

Look for brands like Jennie-O Boar’s Head or store brands that offer oven-roasted dark turkey meat. It is often sold sliced or chopped, fresh or smoked. You’ll find it conveniently packaged so you can toss it into your cart.

Opt for turkey labeled “dark meat” rather than just turkey, And check the ingredients to make sure it’s 100% real turkey without fillers

Butcher Shops or Meat Markets

For the absolute freshest dark turkey meat, head to a local butcher shop, meat market, or turkey farm. These specialty meat purveyors often get whole fresh turkeys directly from nearby farms.

Ask at the counter for dark turkey meat cuts like drumsticks, thighs, or wings. You can even custom order a whole bone-in half turkey breast if making a recipe that calls for it.

Shopping at butcher counters tends to be pricier than the grocery store. But the quality and freshness can’t be beat. It’s worth the splurge for a special meal.

Online Mail Order Companies

Another excellent option is to order dark turkey meat online through mail order food companies. Two great ones to check out are Rastelli’s and Porter Road.

Both offer humanely raised, antibiotic-free turkeys from small family farms. You can order specific cuts like turkey thighs and drumsticks, plus ground turkey and whole boneless turkey breasts.

The convenience of shopping online is unmatched. Just order your dark turkey meat and have it conveniently shipped to your doorstep.

Direct from Turkey Farms

To take it to the source, consider checking out local turkey farms in your area. Oftentimes around the holidays, turkey farms will sell directly to consumers.

You can pick out a fresh pasture-raised turkey and request specific cuts like the legs and thighs. Some farms may even custom butcher fresh turkeys for you.

Buying direct from the farm means you know exactly where your turkey came from and can learn about their humane farming practices. It’s as local and sustainable as it gets.

What to Look for When Buying Dark Turkey

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing dark turkey meat:

• Choose “dark meat” specifically – Don’t just buy turkey cold cuts, look for “dark meat” on the label

• Check the ingredients – Make sure it’s 100% real turkey without fillers or processed ingredients

• Get uncured/unsmoked if possible – This avoids potentially harmful nitrates or too smoky a flavor

• Know your source – Buying direct from butcher shops and farms ensures locally raised turkeys

• Consider organic and free-range – Opt for the highest quality, humanely raised meat you can find

• Check the sell-by date – Pick packages that are fresh and have the furthest expiration date

How to Use Dark Turkey Meat

Once you’ve procured some delicious dark turkey meat, what are the best ways to eat and enjoy it? Here are some of my favorite uses for dark turkey meat:

• Dice it up to make flavorful turkey chili

• Shred it for incredible turkey enchiladas or tacos

• Add cubes to hearty turkey stew or soup

• Make turkey salad sandwiches with mayo, lettuce, and tomato

• Layer slices in a fresh turkey club sandwich

• Dice it small for a Cobb salad or chef salad topping

• Heat up some slices in the oven for quick open faced turkey sandwiches

• Simmer drumsticks or thighs in sauce for turkey ragu over pasta

• Use ground dark turkey meat for flavorful turkey burgers or meatballs

• Make a hearty turkey pot pie with veggies and flaky crust

• Whip up some easy turkey fried rice or stir fry

The rich, succulent flavor of dark turkey meat truly elevates any dish. With so many sources to buy quality deli turkey and ways to use it, you’ll enjoy keeping this tasty meat stocked in your kitchen.