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.
Turkeys are a staple for many holiday meals and family gatherings. However, finding an organic and fresh turkey that hasn’t been pumped full of hormones, antibiotics or preservatives can be a challenge. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying the best organic fresh turkey for your next special occasion.
Why Choose Organic?
Organic turkeys are raised without the use of artificial hormones or antibiotics. They are fed an all-natural, vegetarian diet free of animal by-products. Organic turkeys roam freely and have access to the outdoors. This more natural lifestyle results in a better-tasting, juicer turkey.
Choosing organic also means avoiding controversial chemicals. Conventionally-raised turkeys are sometimes given drugs to stimulate faster growth. Traces of these chemicals can remain in the meat. With organic you don’t have to worry about any of that.
Buying organic likewise supports more sustainable farming practices Organic farmers must meet strict USDA guidelines on caring for their land, These regenerative methods help preserve the environment for future generations,
Where to Buy Organic Turkeys
You have several options for finding high-quality organic turkeys:
1. Local Farms
Checking with local farms in your area is a great starting point. Many small family farms raise organic, free-range turkeys. Turkeys sold directly from a farm are often more affordable. You also get to support local agriculture.
Visit farmer’s markets, farm stands or the farm’s website to find availability. Order early, as quantities are limited. Be prepared to pick up your turkey fresh from the farm versus having it shipped.
2. Butcher Shops
Quality butcher shops are another place to find organic turkeys raised locally or regionally. A good butcher sources high-quality meat from trusted suppliers. Ask when their organic turkeys will arrive for the holidays and preorder. The benefit of a butcher is they can custom cut your turkey to your preferences.
3. Natural Grocery Stores
Health food stores like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market offer a wide range of natural and organic turkeys from high-end suppliers like Diestel, Mary’s and other family farms.
You’ll pay more than a supermarket bird, but you are guaranteed to get an organic, free-range turkey that was humanely raised without drugs or synthetic chemicals. Order ahead if you want a specific size.
4. Online Direct from Farms
Another option is to order directly from an organic turkey farm and have the turkey shipped overnight on ice to your door. Organic Prairie, Diestel Family Ranch and Mary’s Free Range Turkeys all offer mail order organic turkeys.
Order early, as organic turkeys sell out fast closer to the holidays. Make sure someone will be home to receive the delivery.
What to Look for When Buying
Whether you buy directly from a farm or order online, here are a few tips for picking the best organic turkey:
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Verify organic certification. Make sure the farm is USDA certified organic. Ask for their certification number.
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Select the right size. Plan for 1-1.5 pounds per person. Order smaller birds (8-12 lbs) for a more tender, flavorful meat.
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Check for ice packing. The turkey should arrive chilled on ice, not frozen. This ensures freshness.
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Examine the packaging. Leaking blood is a red flag. The turkey should not contact exposed plastic.
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Confirm air chilling. Air chilled tastes better than water chilled using chlorine.
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Evaluate fat content. Some fat makes the meat juicy and flavorful. Too much can be unhealthy.
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Read the ingredients. Organic turkeys contain just one: turkey!
Storing and Thawing Your Turkey
Once you’ve brought home your prized organic turkey, proper storage is critical. Here are some tips:
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Store the turkey in the bottom of the fridge. Use the original packaging or wrap in plastic.
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Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey in the fridge.
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To quick thaw, leave sealed in packaging and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 mins.
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Cook within 2 days of thawing. Do not refreeze a raw turkey after thawing.
With some planning, you can serve your family a delicious organic turkey this holiday season. Follow this guide to locate organic turkeys near you and choose the freshest, most flavorful bird.
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.
Expert’s Guide to Shopping for Turkey
FAQ
Is it worth it to get an organic turkey?
Does Trader Joe’s sell fresh turkeys?
When can I buy a fresh 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 .
Why should you buy certified organic turkeys?
If you want a bird that satisfies your hunger and your conscience, then you’ve found your match. Our Certified Organic Turkeys are raised the way nature intended—slowly—with an all-vegetarian feed blend, giving its full, hearty flavor time to develop. It’s the way turkey ought to taste (which is to say not like any turkey you’ve ever tasted).
Are organic turkeys humanely raised?
Our USDA-certified organic turkeys are humanely raised on small family farms in the Midwest, with full access to the outdoors where they get plenty of exercise, unlike factory-farmed birds. They are not pushed to grow too quickly; instead, they develop at a slower pace, growing the old-fashioned way, with respect for the natural process.
Are all-natural turkeys organic?
Even though they’re not classified as organic, their turkeys are “all-natural,” meaning that their turkeys are minimally processed, and there are no artificial ingredients, which is what you want when choosing your turkey.