By Alex Rothers
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main course of your most important meal this year — the turkey. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your bird this year.
Fresh or Frozen?
Fresh turkeys are never chilled below 26°F. In terms of taste, fresh turkeys tend to hold moisture better than frozen turkeys, bringing out more natural flavors and meaty textures. A fresh turkey should be cooked one to two days after purchasing it or stored in the coldest area of the fridge for up to three days. Fresh turkeys roast much faster than frozen turkeys that have been thawed. When a meat thermometer on the thigh reads 165°F, your turkey is done!
Frozen turkeys, on the other hand, are chilled at 0°F. Frozen turkeys will require more prep time than fresh turkeys to thaw properly. To defrost the turkey completely before roasting, leave it in the refrigerator in its original packaging for 24 hours per every five pounds of turkey. For example, a 15-pound turkey will take three days to defrost in the refrigerator.
When deciding on a fresh or frozen turkey, the most important factor is the quality of meat prior to freezing. Fanestil Meats offers both fresh and frozen turkey options, and we guarantee the quality of meat at our fresh local market is second to none.
Size
There is a simple rule of thumb for estimating how much turkey to purchase for your big meal. You should plan on buying one pound of turkey for every adult guest and one half-pound for every child. This estimate can be adjusted depending on how many leftovers are desired because there is nothing quite like a turkey sandwich with lots of mayo on Black Friday!
At Fanestil Meats, we offer regular, large and extra-large turkey options that will cover your intimate family gathering or grand Thanksgiving party.
Labels
When at your local market, the many different labels on meats can be overwhelming. Here is a quick guide that will help you decipher what exactly all the different turkey labels mean.
Hard or Deep chilled: These turkeys have been chilled below 26°F, but not below 0°F. They can’t be called fresh, but they’re not exactly frozen, either.
Kosher: Kosher turkeys meet the kosher standards of not mixing meat and dairy, avoiding shellfish, etc. These turkeys are soaked in a salt brine before selling, which adds a distinct, savory flavor.
Basting or Self-Basting: These turkeys have been injected with enhanced flavor solutions that create a more flavorful, juicier and heavier turkey. These turkeys are more processed than other options.
Natural: Minimally processed turkeys that contain no artificial ingredients or added color. This term is different than “organic” because it does not refer to how the bird was raised. Unlike organic turkeys, natural turkeys may have been given antibiotics.
Organic: This term refers to how the turkey was raised — no hormones, no preservatives and fed only organic feed. These turkeys may have a milder flavor than heritage or pastured (see below).
Free-Range: When raised, these birds are allowed to roam freely outside for a certain amount of time each day.
Heritage: These turkeys are direct descendants of the first turkeys found in North and South America. They not factory-farm processed – they mate naturally, roam freely and forage for their food themselves. Heritage turkeys have a more natural flavor, texture and aroma; they are typically more expensive than others.
Pastured: Like heritage turkeys, pastured turkeys are also allowed to roam free and forage. They are free of hormones and antibiotics. They have a rich flavor and firm texture but aren’t technically descendants of indigenous American turkeys.
Wild: Wild turkeys are undomesticated. They can run fast and fly, which means the meat on their legs and breasts are smaller than domesticated turkeys. Wild turkeys have smaller, darker meat that often has a more intense, game-like flavor.
Don’t worry — there’s no need to memorize all of this. Our well-informed team at Fanestil Meats is happy to answer any of your questions and help select the turkey right for you. Stop in today to check out all your turkey options for this Thanksgiving or shop online now!
How To Select Your Holiday Turkey
By Alex Rothers
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main course of your most important meal this year — the turkey. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your bird this year.
Fresh or Frozen?
Fresh turkeys are never chilled below 26°F. In terms of taste, fresh turkeys tend to hold moisture better than frozen turkeys, bringing out more natural flavors and meaty textures. A fresh turkey should be cooked one to two days after purchasing it or stored in the coldest area of the fridge for up to three days. Fresh turkeys roast much faster than frozen turkeys that have been thawed. When a meat thermometer on the thigh reads 165°F, your turkey is done!
Frozen turkeys, on the other hand, are chilled at 0°F. Frozen turkeys will require more prep time than fresh turkeys to thaw properly. To defrost the turkey completely before roasting, leave it in the refrigerator in its original packaging for 24 hours per every five pounds of turkey. For example, a 15-pound turkey will take three days to defrost in the refrigerator.
When deciding on a fresh or frozen turkey, the most important factor is the quality of meat prior to freezing. Fanestil Meats offers both fresh and frozen turkey options, and we guarantee the quality of meat at our fresh local market is second to none.
Size
There is a simple rule of thumb for estimating how much turkey to purchase for your big meal. You should plan on buying one pound of turkey for every adult guest and one half-pound for every child. This estimate can be adjusted depending on how many leftovers are desired because there is nothing quite like a turkey sandwich with lots of mayo on Black Friday!
At Fanestil Meats, we offer regular, large and extra-large turkey options that will cover your intimate family gathering or grand Thanksgiving party.
Labels
When at your local market, the many different labels on meats can be overwhelming. Here is a quick guide that will help you decipher what exactly all the different turkey labels mean.
Hard or Deep chilled: These turkeys have been chilled below 26°F, but not below 0°F. They can’t be called fresh, but they’re not exactly frozen, either.
Kosher: Kosher turkeys meet the kosher standards of not mixing meat and dairy, avoiding shellfish, etc. These turkeys are soaked in a salt brine before selling, which adds a distinct, savory flavor.
Basting or Self-Basting: These turkeys have been injected with enhanced flavor solutions that create a more flavorful, juicier and heavier turkey. These turkeys are more processed than other options.
Natural: Minimally processed turkeys that contain no artificial ingredients or added color. This term is different than “organic” because it does not refer to how the bird was raised. Unlike organic turkeys, natural turkeys may have been given antibiotics.
Organic: This term refers to how the turkey was raised — no hormones, no preservatives and fed only organic feed. These turkeys may have a milder flavor than heritage or pastured (see below).
Free-Range: When raised, these birds are allowed to roam freely outside for a certain amount of time each day.
Heritage: These turkeys are direct descendants of the first turkeys found in North and South America. They not factory-farm processed – they mate naturally, roam freely and forage for their food themselves. Heritage turkeys have a more natural flavor, texture and aroma; they are typically more expensive than others.
Pastured: Like heritage turkeys, pastured turkeys are also allowed to roam free and forage. They are free of hormones and antibiotics. They have a rich flavor and firm texture but aren’t technically descendants of indigenous American turkeys.
Wild: Wild turkeys are undomesticated. They can run fast and fly, which means the meat on their legs and breasts are smaller than domesticated turkeys. Wild turkeys have smaller, darker meat that often has a more intense, game-like flavor.
Don’t worry — there’s no need to memorize all of this. Our well-informed team at Fanestil Meats is happy to answer any of your questions and help select the turkey right for you. Stop in today to check out all your turkey options for this Thanksgiving or shop online now!