Smoking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast requires starting with the right cut of meat. While you can smoke any raw turkey breast, those specially intended for barbecue have properties that make them far superior. Here’s where to source the best turkey breast for smoking, whether buying online or locally.

Online Mail Order Companies

Ordering turkey breast online offers convenience and access to high-quality smoked and seasoned options Here are top online stores for turkey breast ideal for smoking

• Snake River Farms – This premium meat company sells Kurobuta Smoked Turkey Breast from premium Kurobuta turkeys. The meat is brined with lemon, garlic and spices for amazing flavor. The price is high but so is the quality.

• Crowd Cow – Crowd Cow partners with family farms to provide all-natural smoked turkey breast perfect for pitmasters. The free-range meat is brined in brown sugar and applewood smoked.

• Porter Road – This popular online butcher shop sells brined and smoked bone-in turkey breast in various sizes, smoked with care over real wood.

• Holy Grail Steak Co – Order succulent smoked turkey breast delivered from this gourmet meat delivery service, Their boneless breasts are brined for 48 hours then smoked over a blend of hickory and applewood,

• Rastelli’s – Known for premium meats, Rastelli’s bone-in smoked turkey breast is brined and hardwood smoked for tenderness.

Local Butcher Shops

Visiting a local butcher allows you to hand select just the right turkey breast for smoking. Look for these signs of quality when buying locally:

• Bone-in – The bone adds moisture and flavor, so bone-in breast is ideal. Boneless tends to dry out.

• Skin-on – Keep that crispy turkey skin! It protects the delicate breast meat during smoking.

• Good marbling – Look for ample fat marbling throughout the meat to keep it tender and juicy.

• Brined – Seek turkey breast that’s been pre-brined for flavor and moisture. If not, you can brine it yourself.

• Intact skin – The skin should cover the entire breast, not be partially removed.

• Even shape – Irregular shapes can lead to uneven cooking, so choose a uniform breast.

Highly rated local butcher shops around the U.S. include The Meat Hook in Brooklyn, Pine Street Market in San Francisco, Holcombe’s Meats in Houston, Red Store Market in Maine, and Old Town Butcher Shop in Virginia. Talk to the butcher and fellow barbecue fans for referrals to quality shops.

What to Avoid

Stay away from typical store-bought raw turkey breast meat. These have often been enhanced with salt solution making it difficult for the meat to properly absorb smoke. Low quality breasts might also have:

• Excess fat trimming
• Partial skin removal
• Uneven shape
• Mushy or slimy texture

Quality matters when smoking turkey breast, so source yours from a trusted provider of high grade turkey designed specifically for barbecue.

Prep Tips for Smoking

Once you have the perfect turkey breast, proper prep ensures it smokes beautifully:

• Trim excess fat
• Poke holes all over with a skewer
• Brine if not pre-brined
• Dry thoroughly before rubbing
• Refrigerate overnight after applying rub

Smoking Temperatures and Times

Use these guidelines when smoking your turkey breast:

• 8-12 lbs: 225-275°F for 5-7 hours until 165°F
• 12-16 lbs: 225-275°F for 7-9 hours until 165°
• 16+ lbs: 225-275°F for 8-10 hours until 165°F

Monitor the temperature and doneness closely. Rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Serving Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked turkey breast makes wonderful sandwiches, salads, tacos, pizza and more! It also shines served traditionally plattered with gravy and classic side dishes.

Finding a properly brined, bone-in turkey breast and prepping it right is key to mouthwatering smoked turkey. Use this guide to source from the best online and local providers. With quality turkey breast and proper technique, your next barbecue will be incredible.