Organic fresh turkey has become an increasingly popular choice for many consumers looking to serve a high-quality, natural bird for holidays and special occasions. But with so many options now available, where exactly can you find the best organic fresh turkeys? In this guide, we’ll walk through the key places to buy organic fresh turkey, what to look for when selecting your bird, and tips for choosing the right organic turkey for your needs.
Understanding Organic Turkey
First, let’s quickly define what makes a turkey “organic”. Organic turkeys are raised without antibiotics added growth hormones animal by-products in their feed, or arsenicals. They are given a 100% organic, vegetarian diet and have access to the outdoors. Organic certification verifies that the turkeys meet USDA organic standards throughout their lifecycle from hatch to harvest. This natural, additive-free process results in a premium quality turkey.
Where to Buy Organic Fresh Turkey
Online Mail Order Companies
One of the best ways to source high-quality organic turkeys is through online mail order companies that specialize in artisanal and sustainably-raised meats and poultry. Companies like D’Artagnan offer heritage breed organic turkeys that are humanely raised on small family farms in the Midwest. The benefit of mail order is that you can select from a wide range of premium turkey breeds, sizes, and attributes all from one place. Mail order turkeys are conveniently shipped fresh directly to your door.
Specialty Grocers
Upscale grocery store chains like Whole Foods Market offer organic whole turkeys during the holiday season. Their birds are certified organic, antibiotic-free White Broad Breasted turkeys fed an all-vegetarian diet. While the selection may be more limited than mail order, the convenience of picking up an organic turkey at your local upscale grocer is appealing for many. Check the turkey case for availability.
Local Farms
Searching out a farm in your area that raises certified organic turkeys is another way to source an locally-raised bird. Visit farmers markets, check farm stands, or search online for organic turkey farms near you. This option provides the chance to learn about how your turkey was raised and connect with the farmer directly. Just be sure to order your turkey early, as supplies are limited.
Butcher Shops
Many high-end butcher shops now offer organic turkeys for the holidays. Ask your local butcher if they can source organic birds from trusted suppliers. This allows you to support a local business while still getting a high-quality organic turkey. However, specialty butcher turkeys often come at a premium price.
What to Look for When Buying an Organic Turkey
Once you’ve selected a source, keep these tips in mind when picking your organic fresh turkey:
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Look for the USDA Organic seal – This third-party certification ensures the turkey meets official standards for organic. Don’t just take “organic” claims at face value.
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Select the right size bird for your gathering – Allow 1 – 1 1⁄2 pounds per person when choosing the weight. Size options range from 8 lb birds up to 25+ lb giants.
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Understand breed differences – Heritage breeds like Narragansett tend to have darker meat while Broad Breasted White turkeys have larger breast meat. Choose based on flavor and texture preferences.
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Confirm humane raising practices – Look for indications of free-range access, all-vegetarian diets, and other humane farming methods. This matters for quality.
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Check for included giblets – Many (but not all) companies include the liver, heart, gizzard, and neck in the cavity for making gravy and stuffing.
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Review estimated ship dates – Ensure your mail order turkey will arrive with ample time for thawing. Locally purchased turkeys don’t have this concern.
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Examine health and handling – Whether picking up or upon delivery, look for any bruising, damaged packaging, or off odors. Optimal turkeys will look pristine.
Tips for Choosing the Best Organic Turkey
Here are a few final tips on selecting the right organic fresh turkey for your holiday table:
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Go with a trusted, reputable source for highest quality assurance. Look for companies focused on conscientious farming practices.
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Order early for best selection – popular organic turkeys sell out well before the holidays.
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If opting for a heritage breed, be prepared for longer cook times due to their higher dark meat ratio and active lifestyle.
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Consider buying a smaller turkey (10 lbs or under) if cooking for a smaller group – they require less time in the oven.
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For ultimate convenience, pre-cooked or pre-brined organic turkeys provide delicious flavor without the fuss.
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Still undecided? Choose an organic turkey breast instead of a whole bird to offer size flexibility.
Enjoy Your Organic Turkey!
Taking the time to source a high quality organic fresh turkey is an investment that pays off in exceptional flavor and nutrition for your holiday meals. Follow this guide to select an organic turkey from a trusted provider that meets your needs. From family farms, to specialty grocers, mail order or local butchers, you now know where to look and what to focus on when buying. Here’s to serving up a memorable certified organic turkey this holiday season that your guests will rave about. Happy feasting!
Farm Fresh Turkeys – Organic Pasture Raised
Available fresh in November only. Pick up pre-orders at our farm in Macomb County
Reserve your family’s FRESH Thanksgiving turkey today!
We take pre-orders for our fresh pasture raised Turkeys grown here on our certified organic farm in Macomb County. We begin taking order in August each year. Visit our online farm store to reserve. https://app.barn2door.com/e/9rx0K
Fresh turkeys range in size from 12 to 25 pounds with most weighing around 16 lbs. We strive to meet your size request to the best of our ability but we cannot guarantee size with fresh turkeys. Historically everyone leaves with a smile and the perfect bird for their family!
- Our humane environment allows our turkeys to range freely with all-day access to green grass, fresh air and sunshine.
- We will do our best to accommodate your size request but we cannot guarantee weights with fresh turkeys.
- Our farm fresh turkeys are fed a multi-grain diet consisting entirely of certified organic grains and grasses.
- No Antibiotics. No Hormones. No GMOs.
- NO GMO corn or soybeans used on our farm.
Turkeys will be ready to pick up fresh just before Thanksgiving. NO need to freeze, just keep chilled until cooking on Thanksgiving Day. Brining is a great way to prep a fresh turkey as well.
Well also include roasting instructions to help ensure you have the tastiest, juiciest Thanksgiving turkey dinner!
Though we strive for accuracy in size, our Farm Fresh Turkeys may very in size depending on eating habits and season. We cannot guarantee size request.
Our turkeys sell out fast!
PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE:
Deposit per turkey required to pre-order your Thanksgiving Turkey
Whole Foods Market: Organic turkey
FAQ
Is it worth it to get an organic turkey?
Organic turkeys are those that have been raised free of chemicals, antibiotics or fertilizers. They are even highly recommended by Consumer Reports, which states that antibiotic-free and organic poultry tend to carry fewer antibiotic-resistant bacteria. (That’s good!)
Does Trader Joe’s sell fresh turkeys?
It means: several fresh options to elevate the center of your Thanksgiving plate! Our Organic Young Turkeys are Free Range, with access to the outdoors. They are not brined, but they do contain giblets, and are fed a vegetarian diet that is purely organic.
Does Wholefoods have fresh turkeys?
Whether classic or kosher, heirloom or organic, all of the fresh and frozen turkeys we sell meet our Quality Standards. All of the birds in our Meat department are Animal Welfare Certified (except kosher turkey) and meet over 100 animal welfare standards.
When can I buy a fresh turkey?
Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Expert Tyler Loranger says turkeys should be available in stores beginning in early November, and the best time to buy your turkey …Nov 4, 2023
Where can I find organic turkey breast fresh young?
Find Whole Foods Market Organic Turkey Breast Fresh Young at Whole Foods Market. Get nutrition, ingredient, allergen, pricing and weekly sale information!
Why should you buy certified organic turkeys?
The use of certified-organic grain along with the time and care it takes to raise turkeys outdoors on pasture means our turkeys are more expensive to produce, but you can take comfort knowing no antibiotics, no GMO grains and no synthetic chemicals are used to produce your food.
Are organic turkeys humanely raised?
Our USDA-certified organic turkeys are humanely raised on small family farms in the Midwest, with full access to the outdoors where they get plenty of exercise, unlike factory-farmed birds. They are not pushed to grow too quickly; instead, they develop at a slower pace, growing the old-fashioned way, with respect for the natural process.
Are bronze feathered turkeys organic?
Our bronze feathered turkeys free-range on fresh green grass or clover pastures supplemented with wholesome organic, non-GMO grains, resulting in moist, flavorful turkey. We hear our ground turkey is more moist and flavorful with a firmer texture than typical grocery store ground turkey, and we think we know the reason.
Where can I buy a Turkey thermometer?
You can purchase one at a grocery store, but we prefer to use a meat thermometer. They are more precise, and you are less likely to overcook the bird when using a thermometer. We recommend that you estimate 1-1.25 pounds per person to determine the size of turkey you will need. (For example, an 8-10 pound turkey will yield 6-8 servings).
How do you store a fresh turkey?
Follow these tips for success. Our fresh turkeys are kept in a deep chill to maintain a crust of ice on the surface. This ensures that you can safely store your bird at home until you’re ready to cook. Keep your turkey deep-chilled (35°F) in the coldest spot in your fridge, turned down as low as possible, or store in a secondary fridge.