Where Can I Buy Organic Turkey?

Organic turkey offers a natural, wholesome option for holiday meals or anytime you want a nutritious protein But where exactly can you find certified organic turkeys? I did some research on the best places to buy organic turkey, including grocery stores, online retailers, CSAs, and directly from farms Here is what I learned

Grocery Stores for Organic Turkey

Several mainstream grocery store chains carry organic turkey options:

• Whole Foods – Whole Foods has a wide selection of organic turkeys in various sizes from 8-24 pounds They offer fresh and frozen birds from brands like Diestel, Pitman Farms, and Plainville.

• Trader Joe’s -Around the holidays, Trader Joe’s stocks fresh organic young turkey breasts and whole frozen birds up to 16 pounds. Their everyday selection is more limited.

• Sprouts – Sprouts markets typically carry Diestel brand fresh organic turkeys in the 10-15 pound range around the major holidays. Call your local store for availability.

• Natural Grocers – Natural Grocers locations often sell fresh organic turkeys from local farms prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Availability varies by store.

• Kroger – Some Kroger banner stores like Ralphs and King Soopers offer Simple Truth Organic frozen turkeys in the 10-16 pound range seasonally.

• Publix – Publix GreenWise stores sell private label Carolina Fresh Organic turkeys in the 8-20 pound range when in season.

Check the organic frozen section for everyday options like ground turkey and turkey breasts when fresh birds are not available. Call ahead for the best organic turkey selection at your local grocer.

Online Retailers for Organic Turkeys

Several e-commerce sites ship fresh organic turkeys right to your door:

• Walmart – Walmart.com has frozen Butterball, Honeysuckle, and Shady Brook organic turkeys from 10-16 pounds for delivery.

• FreshDirect – Based in New York, FreshDirect has fresh and brined organic turkeys from Pennsylvania-based Plainville Farms during the holidays.

• Peapod – Online grocer Peapod sells Nature’s Promise and other brand organic turkeys in select markets around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• AmazonFresh – In areas where it operates, AmazonFresh offers frozen Honeysuckle White organic turkeys year-round. Selection varies.

• Thrive Market – This organic-focused online market sells Diestel turkey year-round. Around the holidays, fresh organic turkeys up to 20 pounds are available.

Check retailers a few weeks ahead of holiday celebrations for the best selection and availability of delivery slots for fresh organic turkeys.

CSAs and Local Farms for Organic Turkeys

To buy the freshest local organic turkeys directly from family farms, check out these options:

• CSAs – Some farms that offer community supported agriculture (CSA) programs have organic turkeys available as holiday add-ons. This allows you to order ahead and pick up your turkey.

• Farmers markets – During holiday market days, family farms may sell their organic turkeys direct to consumers. Ask your local farmers about availability.

• On-farm stores – Visit websites of farms in your state that specialize in organic poultry to check if they sell turkeys on-farm. This ensures you get the freshest bird.

• Specialty grocers – Independent co-ops and organic grocers may work with regional farms to offer organic turkeys through preorders. Check their advertisements ahead of the holidays.

Here are some reputable organic turkey farms that sell direct to consumers in select areas:

• Diestel Family Ranch (California)
• Cooper Farms (Ohio)
• Beeler’s Organic Farm (Illinois)
• Ozark Forest Pork (Missouri)
• Plainville Farms (Pennsylvania)

Search for “buy organic turkey near me” or “organic turkey CSA” to find a farm accessible in your region.

How to Choose the Right Organic Turkey Size

Organic turkeys are available in a range of sizes from mini breeds up to 20+ pound extra large birds. Here are some tips for picking the right turkey size for your gathering:

• Plan for 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person if it’s the main protein.

• Small 8-12 pound turkeys work for gatherings of 4-10 people.

• For 10-15 people, select a 12-16 pound turkey.

• Groups larger than 15 do best with 16-20 pound turkeys.

• Get a 10 pound breast if turkey is just one dish among many.

• Mini and petite turkeys under 8 pounds serve 3-5 but cook faster.

Allow 1-2 extra pounds if you want ample leftovers. An organic turkey will feed roughly the same number of people as a conventionally raised bird of the same size.

Is Organic Turkey More Expensive?

You can expect to pay $3-$8 per pound for an organic turkey compared to $1-$4 per pound for a conventional turkey. While organic costs more, you are paying for:

• Turkey fed an all-organic, vegetarian diet without GMOs.

• No antibiotics, hormones, or medications used.

• Access to the outdoors and pasture.

• Slower growth rates for better flavor.

• Support for environmental sustainability.

• Humane farming practices.

For foodies and health-conscious cooks, the added benefits are well worth the premium price. Look for holiday sales and promotions on organic turkeys to save.

Is Organic Healthier Than Non-Organic Turkey?

Compared to conventional turkey, choosing organic has several advantages:

• No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers used in production.

• Reduced risk of contamination from medication or hormones.

• Potentially more omega-3 fatty acids from pasture access.

• Higher antioxidant content from slower growth.

• Lower risk of foodborne illness thanks to clean facilities.

While both supply lean protein, organic practices result in a more wholesome, nutritionally dense turkey.

How to Prepare an Organic Turkey

Organic turkey can be prepared just like a regular turkey using your preferred roasting method. Here are some tips:

• Thaw frozen turkey for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.

• Leave giblets in the body cavity during cooking for extra moisture.

• Rinse carefully before seasoning and cooking to prevent bacteria spread.

• Roast at 350°F until the thickest part of breast and thigh reaches 165°F.

• Let rest 20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.

• Use drippings to make gravy. Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Enjoy your organic turkey carved alongside classic holiday dishes or in creative recipes all season long!

The Bottom Line

From national chains to local farms, several reliable sources offer fresh certified organic turkeys for special meals or everyday nutrition. While pricier than conventional, organic poultry provides a premium choice free from chemicals and medications. For quality assurance, look for the USDA Organic seal when buying organic turkey. Allow extra time to preorder the right size bird from a grocer, online store, CSA, or family farm. Then prepare your pasture-raised organic turkey using your favorite holiday recipes for a flavorful and healthy centerpiece.