where to buy small turkey

Finding the Perfect Small Turkey for Your Holiday Feast

Are you hosting a smaller holiday gathering and need a turkey to match? Shopping for a small turkey can be tricky since most whole birds found in stores are 15 pounds or more Luckily, there are great options available for petite parties of 4-8 people Read on to learn where to buy smaller whole turkeys, around 8-12 pounds, from major grocery chains, online retailers, butcher shops and local farms.

Grocery Store Chains

Many national supermarket chains now carry smaller whole turkey options beyond the standard large sizes. Here are some of the most convenient places to buy high quality small turkeys

• Butterball Lil’ Butterballs – These tender young whole turkeys average 8-12 pounds. Sold frozen at major stores like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and more.

• Honeysuckle White Small Turkey – Lean 10-12 pound turkeys, minimally seasoned. Carried at Kroger, Publix, Harris Teeter and other regional chains.

• Shady Brook Farms Young Turkey – Juicy whole birds around 10 pounds. Available seasonally at Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Giant, Food Lion, etc.

• Fresh Small Young Turkey – Simple all natural turkeys averaging 10-14 pounds. Found at select Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, Smart & Final.

• Diestel Family Ranch Organic Turkey – Pasture raised heirloom breed turkeys from 10-16 pounds. At Whole Foods, Sprouts, Gelson’s, Bristol Farms, Metropolitan Market.

Many grocery store butcher counters and meat departments also carry their own house brand smaller whole turkeys, so ask your local market what’s available. Allow a few days lead time.

Online and Mail Order

Several poultry purveyors sell petite turkeys online, shipped frozen directly to your door:

• D’Artagnan – Organic and free-range small turkeys from 9-16 pounds.

• Holy Grail Steak Co. – All natural turkeys as small as 8 pounds, shipped overnight.

• Porter Road – Pasture raised heirloom turkeys from 10-14 pounds.

• Crowd Cow – Heritage breed turkeys raised on family farms, 10-12 pound average.

• Walden Local Meat – Grass fed small turkeys from Vermont farms, 10-12 pounds.

• Schmidts Natural – Organic, non-GMO turkeys as small as 10 pounds.

• Local Harvest – Directory for finding local heritage turkey farms with smaller birds.

Check minimum order dates to receive your mail order turkey in time for the holidays.

Local Butcher Shops and Farms

For the freshest locally raised turkey, visit area butcher shops, poultry farms, farmer’s markets or CSAs. These specialists often carry smaller turkeys in the 10-15 pound range. Place your order early, as supply is limited. Ask about their sourcing and if the turkeys are pasture raised, organic, heirloom breeds, etc.

A small locally farmed turkey brings delicious gourmet flavor to your holiday table. Plus you’ll be supporting family businesses and sustainable agriculture.

Choosing Your Petite Bird

Once you’ve selected your source, look for turkeys that are:

• Young – For tender, juicy meat choose a young turkey, around 4-5 months of age.

• Small – Turkeys between 10-14 pounds will feed a crowd of 6-8 with leftovers. Allow 1-1.5 pounds per person.

• Fresh – Minimally processed without artificial additives provides pure flavor.

• Free range – More room to roam outdoors makes for happier, healthier turkeys.

With an impressively roasted small turkey as your centerpiece, you can be confident your intimate gathering will enjoy a memorable feast.

Storing and Handling Your Small Turkey

• Keep fresh turkeys refrigerated until ready to cook. Place in a shallow pan to catch any juices.

• Allow 24 hours fridge thawing for every 4-5 pounds. Avoid thawing at room temp.

• Cook within 1-2 days. For optimal safety and taste, do not refreeze a thawed turkey.

• Stuff just before roasting, and roast immediately after stuffing. Cook to a minimum internal temp of 165°F.

A small turkey is the perfect choice for easy holiday hosting. With proper planning and storage, your petite bird will shine as part of a blessed gathering with your nearest and dearest.