A heritage turkey costs more than a supermarket turkey, but it’s better for you, healthier, and better for the environment.
The American Poultry Association named seven types of heritage turkeys the “Standard of Perfection” in 1874. This is the official list of breed standards for poultry. Despite this recognition, traditional heritage birds were eventually eclipsed by tender, milder, big-breasted breeds in the 20th century.
In fact, the Thanksgiving turkey you’re used to eating probably isn’t a heritage turkey. It became so common for turkeys to have big breasts that NBC News said heritage turkeys were “on the brink of extinction in the United States”1. The outlet reports that as of 2001, there were only about a dozen Narragansett turkeys in the country.
Today, things are looking up. There are now over 15,000 heritage turkeys in the United States, thanks to a few farms that only raise heritage turkeys. It’s not nearly as many as the 218 million turkeys raised for commercial purposes, but it’s a good start2.
It can be harder to find a heritage turkey for Thanksgiving, and they are more expensive than the Broad Breasted White turkey that is raised in factories. But before you give up the search, it’s important to understand the benefits. Here at Organic Authority, we love making an informed decision for our health and our planet. If you want to choose non-toxic cookware and bakeware or look into the best greens powder options, we’re here to give you the information you need. Let’s cover the differences and benefits to answer one simple question: Is a heritage turkey worth it?.
Heirloom turkeys are making a comeback. These old-fashioned birds offer exceptional flavor and culinary versatility compared to conventional supermarket turkeys. This guide covers everything you need to know about heirloom turkeys.
A Brief History of Heirloom Turkeys
Heirloom turkeys descend from turkey breeds raised on small family farms for centuries. These heritage breeds like Bourbon Red, Narragansett, and Bronze were naturally mating, slow-growing, and long-lived.
But after World War II, industrial turkey farming focused on maximizing breast meat yields. Broad-breasted hybrid strains incapable of reproducing naturally dominated the industry. Unique historic turkey breeds nearly went extinct.
By the 1990s, heritage turkey populations plummeted Conservation organizations recognized heirloom turkeys as critically endangered livestock Dedicated farmers and poultry enthusiasts began efforts to restore heritage turkey breeding flocks.
Thanks to these preservation efforts, heritage turkey numbers rebounded significantly. While still critically endangered, historic breeds made an astonishing comeback.
What Makes an Heirloom Turkey?
Heirloom turkeys descend from historic heritage breeds But any turkey meeting specific criteria can be considered heirloom
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Naturally mating – Hens and toms mate without human intervention and have good fertility rates.
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Long lifespan – Mature hens lay fertile eggs up to 5-7 years. Toms remain reproductive 3-5 years.
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Slow growth – Heirlooms reach ideal market weight around 28 weeks, not 14-18 weeks like industrial turkeys.
Heirloom turkeys grow slowly on a diverse diet. This produces superior flavor and a healthy balance of white and dark meat.
Why Choose Heirloom?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of heirloom turkeys:
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Flavor – The consensus is unanimous: heirlooms have remarkably intense, rich flavor superior to conventional turkeys. The slow growth, exercise, and diverse diet make the meat taste better.
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Appearance – Heirlooms display stunning, intricate plumage in color patterns like bronze, slate, and black. These handsome birds look like old-fashioned artwork come to life.
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Cooking versatility – With more dark meat and smaller breasts, heirlooms shine in recipes like confit, roasts, and braises. You can still roast them, but they cook differently than commercial turkeys.
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Humane raising – Heirlooms spend their lives roaming outdoors on pasture. This low-stress rearing method is better for animal welfare than crowded indoor confinement.
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Sustainability – Supporting heirloom turkeys helps preserve genetic diversity in livestock. The heritage breeds promote a sustainable food system.
Buying Your Heirloom
When purchasing an heirloom turkey, look for these indicators of authenticity:
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Reputable farm – Buy from a producer following the strict heirloom definition. Ask questions to ensure their turkeys are the real deal.
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USDA Organic – Organic standards mean the birds access the outdoors and eat an organic diet. This diet enhances the flavor.
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Stocky body – Heirlooms have smaller breasts but plumper, meatier legs and thighs. Avoid turkeys with disproportionately large breasts.
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Slower growth – Confirm the producer respects the slow growth rate instead of pushing for fast weight gain.
Roasting Your Bird
Roasting an heirloom turkey requires some adjustments:
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Lower oven temperature – Roast at 300-325°F since heirlooms have less fat and cook more gently. High heat dries them out.
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Cook to temperature – Monitor meat temperature, not roasting time. Cook to 160°F thigh, 170°F breast. The dense meat holds heat so rest 30 minutes before carving.
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Add fat – Baste frequently with butter or oil to prevent drying out. You can also lay fatback bacon or pancetta over the breast.
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Moisture – Keep a pan of water in the oven, mop with turkey stock, or tent with foil to retain moisture. Avoid overcooking at all costs.
Savoring the Experience
With its rich history and exceptional eating quality, the heirloom turkey offers so much more than ordinary Thanksgiving birds. Seek out an heirloom from a local sustainable farm this holiday season. Then slow roast it to perfection and wow your guests with timeless flavor. The heritage turkey taste experience makes all the effort worthwhile.
Heritage turkeys are more sustainable and more humane.
By definition, Heritage turkeys are bred much more naturally than mass-produced turkeys. Even though we still want you to do your own research, a heritage turkey is generally a better choice for the environment than a supermarket turkey.
As we mentioned earlier, heritage turkeys tend to be slaughtered much later than commercially bred turkeys. This is one reason why they cost more, but another is that most farmers who choose to raise heritage turkeys also choose to use other environmentally friendly methods in their work.
Heidi Diestel, an organic heirloom turkey farmer at Diestel Family Turkey Ranch, says, “Choosing a sustainably raised bird for Thanksgiving means supporting farming methods that are kind to the animals and the land, and which lead to a pure and healthy turkey.” Our birds are raised with care and are allowed to grow slowly and naturally. They get lots of fresh air and space to roam, whether they are inside or outside. ”.
That said, keep in mind that the terms “heritage” and “heirloom” turkey only refer to a breed. If you want to be certain that a farmer uses sustainable practices, you might also want to opt for additional labels, like the Global Animal Partnership certification that Diestel Family Ranch has earned. You can also find turkeys with antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed, certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and pasture-raised labels.
The Benefits of Choosing a Heritage Turkey for Thanksgiving
However, there’s one dish that screams Thanksgiving more than anything else, and that’s turkey. On the other hand, if you really want to be a vegetarian on Thanksgiving, there are many better options than turkey. We understand if you’re not ready to give up tradition just yet. You can still choose a heritage turkey that is better for you and the environment.
This year, a heritage turkey might be a better choice for you and your family for these 5 reasons.
Heritage Turkey Breeds
FAQ
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