How to choose the perfect Thanksgiving Turkey?
Thanksgiving is around the corner! It is time to take out the turkey’s pan, your family traditions and your fall plates. In a week to the day, we will be reuniting with friends and family gathered around a table with masses of food prepared with love and effort!
The guest star is still the turkey! However, choosing a turkey when so many options are available can be difficult every year, a real head scratcher… By reading the following, it will help you celebrate the day with a big smile on your face!
#1 - Evaluate the number of mouths to be fed!
Unless you plan to eat turkey until Christmas Eve, the size of the turkey matters! Keep in mind that the bigger the turkey, the longer it takes to cook.
By the way if you’re busy already or you’re the type of person that makes decisions at the last minute, it is recommended to bake 2 small turkeys instead of a big one. The cooking time will be shorter and prevent you from spending the night before cooking!
In general, a person eats a pound of turkey even if your uncle eats for 2 people!
#2 - Visit the market!
Once you determine the weight of the turkey, you must only go and find your precious turkey at the Dieppe Market!
Be aware! Turkeys are flying off the shelves, so we recommend that you call beforehand Boudreau Meat Market or Portage Pork unless you rather have Springbrook Farm chickens!
#3 - A frozen or a fresh turkey?
It is up to you. Frozen turkeys are as good as a fresh one, the important point here is the time factor, the size of the turkey and the space you have in your fridge for it! Once again, the bigger the turkey, the longer the thawing.
** Enjoy the holiday to buy local products! A limited amount of turkey is available at The Friday Express Market (from 4pm to 6pm on Fridays) or visit the Dieppe Market on Saturday (from 8am to 1pm). Visit our butcher to “hold” yours! **
For more information :
There are a lot of different kinds of turkey, here are some definitions that would help you make your choice!
The most common (Butterball): It’s the classic turkey available in all stores. Turkeys are usually raised in big barns with no outside access.
Grain-fed turkey: The turkey has not consumed any meat or any meat by-products.
“Free Range” Turkey: The bird was not raised in a confined space.
Wild turkey: Those turkeys are small and have been raised on a farm with a gamey flavor with a dried and lean texture.
Organic Turkey: There are no hormones involved or chemical products and it distinguishes itself with its sweeter flavor.