What is a Honeysuckle White Turkey? A Complete Guide to This Premium Turkey Brand

With the holidays coming up, many people are starting to think about what type of turkey to get for their festive meals. Honeysuckle White is one of the most popular and trusted turkey brands available, known for its premium quality and delicious flavor. But what exactly is a Honeysuckle White turkey and what makes it stand out from other brands? This complete guide will tell you everything you need to know about Honeysuckle White turkeys.

An Overview of Honeysuckle White Turkeys

Honeysuckle White is a brand of whole turkeys and turkey products owned by Cargill It was founded in 1940 and has been a staple turkey brand for American households for over 80 years

Honeysuckle White turkeys are premium birds that are never given growth hormones or antibiotics routinely. They are raised by independent family farmers throughout the Midwest who adhere to strict animal care standards. The turkeys are fed a diet of corn, soybean meal, vitamins, and minerals

This brand is known for its juicy, tender, and flavorful turkey meat. Honeysuckle White offers whole turkeys, turkey breasts, ground turkey, sausages, and more. They are available fresh or frozen year-round at most major grocery chains across the United States.

What Makes Honeysuckle White Turkeys Special?

There are several key things that set Honeysuckle White turkeys apart from typical store-brand turkeys:

Breed

The turkeys used are a mix of standard Broad Breasted White turkeys, which have a higher ratio of white meat to dark meat. This results in a juicier, more tender bird.

Feed

The turkeys are fed a vegetarian diet free of animal by-products. Their feed consists of corn, soybean meal, vitamins, and minerals. This diet contributes to the premium taste.

Raising Practices

Honeysuckle White turkeys are raised in spacious barns that meet the standards of the National Turkey Federation. Each turkey has an average of 3 square feet of space. They are able to roam and express natural behaviors.

No Antibiotics or Hormones

The turkeys are never given antibiotics or growth hormones routinely. Antibiotics are only used for treatment or prevention of illness under veterinary supervision. This ensures a high-quality, wholesome turkey.

Humane Handling

Farmers who raise the turkeys are trained in proper turkey handling techniques to ensure the birds’ health and welfare is maintained.

Traceability

Honeysuckle White turkeys are fully traceable from the farm to the table thanks to the brand’s traceable turkey program. This allows consumers to verify the source of their turkey for added assurance.

Honeysuckle White Turkey Product Line Overview

Honeysuckle White offers a full array of turkey products beyond whole birds:

• Whole turkeys – Available in a variety of sizes from 10 to 24 lbs to accommodate gatherings big and small. Offered in both fresh and frozen varieties.

• Bone-in turkey breasts – Convenient for making a smaller turkey dinner. Approximately 3.5 to 7 lbs.

• Boneless turkey breasts – No bones makes carving easier. 1.5 to 5 lb options available.

• Ground turkey – Versatile for making burgers, meatballs, chili, and more. Sold in 1 lb packages.

• Turkey sausages – Fully-cooked breakfast and sweet Italian sausage links and patties.

• Turkey meatballs – Fully cooked classic Italian style or sweet & sour glazed meatballs.

• Marinated turkey tenderloins – Fully cooked, marinated tenderloins for quick entrees.

• Turkey patties – Delicious seasoned turkey patties to enjoy on a bun or over a salad.

• Turkey parts – Includes boneless roasts, whole legs, thigh meat, wings, and more.

No matter what form you need your turkey in, Honeysuckle White likely has an option to fit your meal plans.

Buying and Cooking Honeysuckle White Turkey

When purchasing a Honeysuckle White turkey, whether fresh or frozen, look for signs of quality like:

• Tightly wrapped packaging
• No tears or punctures in wrapping
• Pink to pale-pink color
• No foul odor when packaged is opened

Plan to cook fresh turkey within 2 days of purchase. Frozen Honeysuckle White turkeys can be thawed in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking.

Always follow the recommended cooking instructions on the packaging for optimal doneness and food safety. Whole turkeys should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Allow 1 pound of turkey per person when determining what size bird to buy for your holiday meal. And note that a frozen turkey requires 50% longer cook time than fresh, so plan accordingly.

Honeysuckle White vs. Butterball Turkeys

Butterball is another well-known turkey brand consumers may be considering for their holiday meals. How does Honeysuckle White compare?

While both are high-quality turkey brands, there are a few differences:

• Flavor – Honeysuckle White is praised for its natural, delicate turkey flavor while Butterball is known for being very juicy and tender.

• Availability – Honeysuckle White availability is more limited while Butterball turkeys can be found year-round at most grocery stores.

• Raising practices – Honeysuckle White turkeys are raised cage-free in turkey barns while Butterball uses caged housing. However, both meet turkey welfare standards.

• Price – Honeysuckle White whole turkeys usually cost slightly more per pound than Butterball.

Overall, choosing between the two brands comes down to individual taste preferences. Honeysuckle White offers a more subtle flavor while Butterball is known for tenderness and juiciness. Both adhere to similar antibiotic and hormone-free standards.

Why Choose Honeysuckle White for Your Holiday Meal?

When it comes to premium quality turkey from a brand you can trust, it’s hard to beat Honeysuckle White. Here are some of the top reasons to choose Honeysuckle White for your next turkey dinner:

• Flavor – Many turkey connoisseurs rave about the distinctive taste of Honeysuckle White birds. The flavor is naturally delicious without heavy brining.

• Juiciness – Expect a tender, mouthwateringly moist and juicy turkey perfect for holiday feasts.

• Texture – These turkeys have a soft, smooth texture yet are still nicely firm.

• Appearance – Honeysuckle White turkeys have a beautiful, plump shape and golden brown roasted skin.

• Trusted brand – With 80+ years in the business, consumers can trust the Honeysuckle White name to deliver a quality eating experience.

• No artificial ingredients – You can feel good serving a turkey raised with no hormones, antibiotics added routinely, or animal by-products.

• Humane raising standards – The turkeys are humanely raised in a comfortable environment by farmers who genuinely care for their welfare.

This Thanksgiving, Christmas, or holiday gathering, make it a meal to remember with a succulent Honeysuckle White turkey as your centerpiece. The exceptional flavor and quality will have your guests talking about it for occasions to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honeysuckle White Turkeys

Where are Honeysuckle White turkeys raised?

Honeysuckle White turkeys are raised by around 60 independent family farmers throughout the Midwestern United States. Exact locations span across Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

Are Honeysuckle White turkeys organic?

No, Honeysuckle White turkeys are not organic. However, they are raised with no antibiotics or growth hormones administered routinely. Their vegetarian diet is free of animal by-products.

Are Honeysuckle White turkeys kosher?

Most Honeysuckle White turkey products are certified Kosher. Look for the KSA Kosher symbol on packaging to confirm kosher status.

Can you buy fresh Honeysuckle White turkeys year-round?

Fresh, whole Honeysuckle White turkeys are primarily available just during the holiday season from October to December. However, frozen whole turkeys along with turkey parts, ground turkey, and boneless turkey breasts can be purchased fresh year-round.

Does Honeysuckle White sell turkey gravy?

Yes, Honeysuckle White sells pre-made turkey gravy that just needs heating. Varieties include Homestyle Turkey Gravy, Savory Herb Turkey Gravy, and Slow Roasted Turkey Gravy.

What is the freezing and thawing process for Honeysuckle White turkeys?

Direct from the store, frozen Honeysuckle White turkeys can be kept frozen 6-9 months in the freezer. To thaw, keep the turkey wrapped and place it breast side up in the refrigerator