Not only is turkey easy to cook on the grill, it’s better-for-you. And with all the entertaining to do this summer, whether that’s with friends or just a normal weeknight meal, we’ll be here to make sure you have the best summer ever. So gather ’round and let the good times grill!
Turkey is a staple on tables across America, especially during the holidays. Honeysuckle White is one of the most popular and trusted turkey brands found in grocery stores nationwide. But who is behind this premium turkey brand that has been delighting families for decades?
As it turns out the story of Honeysuckle White turkey is one rooted in family, tradition and a commitment to quality. While the brand has grown into a household name, it originated on family farms dedicated to raising the best tasting turkeys.
A Long History With Turkey Farming
The Honeysuckle White brand traces its history back to 1940s Iowa. A farmer named Carl Wickman began raising turkeys near Ellsworth, Iowa. He was committed to quality and proper animal care from the very start. This dedication caught the attention of Cargill – one of the largest private companies in the United States.
In 1966, Cargill purchased Carl Wickman’s turkeys and created the Honeysuckle White brand. The name was inspired by the honeysuckle growing on the Wickman family farm Cargill maintained the family’s focus on premium turkey while expanding production
Over the decades, Honeysuckle White strengthened its network of family turkey farms across the Midwest Today, the brand works with over 200 independent, family-owned turkey farms. The majority are multi-generational with farming in their blood.
Meeting Stringent Standards
Honeysuckle White turkeys are raised by farmers who must meet rigorous standards. All turkeys are:
- Raised cage-free in barns with room to roam
- Fed a vegetable and grain-based diet with no animal by-products
- Raised without growth-promoting antibiotics
- Humanely raised following animal care guidelines
Farmers work closely with veterinarians to keep flocks healthy through proper nutrition, clean housing, and responsible medicine use. Honeysuckle White also traces products fully from farm to table for food safety.
In 2015, the brand became USDA Process Verified. This voluntary verification indicates Honeysuckle White’s ability to provide consistent quality turkeys raised according to their standards.
Family Farmers Are the Heart of the Brand
While Honeysuckle White has grown into one of America’s most recognized turkey brands, family farmers remain the heart of the company. They collectively raise over 285 million turkeys each year for the Honeysuckle White brand.
Farmers like the Rodes family of Virginia have been raising turkeys for Honeysuckle White for generations. Or farmers like Micah and Krista who share the brand’s core belief of responsible antibiotic use. These family stories are proudly shared on the Honeysuckle White website.
The company highlights its network of family farmers that devote their lives to raising quality turkeys. Meet the farmer sections provide an inside look into daily life on independent turkey farms. This connects consumers to the farmers behind their Honeysuckle White turkeys.
Delivering Premium Turkey Products
In addition to whole turkeys, Honeysuckle White offers a wide variety of turkey products from its network of family farms:
- Boneless turkey breasts
- Bone-in turkey breasts
- Ground turkey
- Turkey tenderloins
- Ready-to-cook items like patties, sausages, and meatballs
Consumers can find Honeysuckle White premium turkey products at major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway Albertsons, and more. The brand also makes meal inspiration and cooking tips available on their website and social media channels.
Continuing a Legacy of Quality
The story behind Honeysuckle White turkey is a remarkable one. Starting from one farmer’s commitment to raising quality turkeys, it has grown into an iconic American brand. But through it all, the focus remains on family farmers raising turkeys with care and pride.
Honeysuckle White promises premium, great tasting turkey to families across the country. They deliver on this promise by partnering with dedicated farm families devoted to excellence. It’s through the hard work and values of these farmers that Honeysuckle White turkey continues to shine at dining tables year after year. So this holiday season, look for the Honeysuckle White label for turkeys as fresh and flavorsome as the Midwest farms they came from.
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How to Cook a Turkey – Honeysuckle White
FAQ
Who owns Honeysuckle turkey?
Is honeysuckle a good turkey to buy?
Where does honeysuckle white turkey come from?
Are honeysuckle turkeys being recalled?
What is a honeysuckle Turkey?
The breed was created by crossing a Narragansett turkey with a White Holland turkey. Honeysuckle turkeys are known for their large size, white feathers, and sweet flavor. The Honeysuckle turkey was named for the sweet smell of its breast meat. The breed was originally developed for commercial production, but it is now also popular with home cooks.
Are honeysuckle white turkeys available in the US?
Jennie-O and Honeysuckle White turkeys are institutions in the turkey-producing world so they are available everywhere in the US, but of course, in different amounts tailored according to the season.
Are honeysuckle white turkeys good?
Honeysuckle White turkeys are known for their gentle and natural flavor. The meat is very tender and very easy to handle, so they turn out soft and juicy, just like advertised. Just like Butterball, Honeysuckle White also strives to give the customers what they promised and does a great job in doing so.
Are Butterball & honeysuckle white turkey meat the same?
Both Butterball and Honeysuckle White brands are known for the quality of the turkey meat they offer. Butterball is praised for the tenderness and juiciness of their turkeys and turkey meat. They are also brined and tenderized, so they turn out just like advertised.