Turkeys For Sale – Turkey is one of the most common and giant breeds available in the US. The Broad Breasted White size makes it a excessive addition to any table. Turkeys reach mature weight around 20 weeks. Weight Female 25lbs Male 45 lbs. Like the Broad Breasted White, the Bronze is still as big and meaty as its counterpart. Because of its size, it’s hard for this breed to reproduce.
Most Giant Turkey Breeds in the World
The broad-breasted white turkey is the most common turkey breed raised and eaten in America. However, their large size and large breasts make it nearly impossible for them to breed naturally and, therefore, are artificially inseminated. Not only do they need help with breeding, but they are also usually less intelligent and more disease-prone and can’t fly or walk well. But because they grow abnormally fast, in 12 weeks, they have become the commercial breed of choice.
If you are looking for a hardy, more natural breed to add to your property as a food source, then the standard bronze turkey is the largest heritage breed. This breed, on average, will weigh between 16 to 25 pounds.
Turkey Breeds for Meat
It may come down to a personal decision on which breed would make you the happiest based on their beauty, disposition, egg production, and how large they get. If you want to help preserve a heritage breed and aren’t interested in how the turkey looks or egg production, the bronze turkeys would be a great choice.
Which Is the Most Expensive Turkeys?
Fresh turkeys are usually more expensive as they tend to be much better quality than the ones you find in supermarkets as they are harvested and transported in a short time frame to ensure you get the freshest meat. Fresh turkeys are more likely to be raised in family-run farms. Farm allows turkeys to roam free in an environment that closely look like their natural habitat and fed natural cereal-based diets instead of growth enhancers. All of this requires dedicated time and planning to ensure the turkeys are hatched and cared for right up until the moment they are ready for harvest.
Which Has the Tastiest Meat?
Fresh turkeys tend to hold their moisture better than frozen turkeys which means you will get the juiciest meat and the most flavour after it’s cooked. Fresh turkeys from free-range farms taste incredible due to their natural diet and truly free-range living conditions. Although frozen turkey can still produce tasty meat, nothing beats the tenderness and flavour of a fresh turkey.
Which Has the Best Texture?
When it comes to the texture of your turkey, fresh is known to have a noticeably smoother texture and both the white and the dark meat are usually moister. Frozen turkey poses the risk of having a rougher texture and tends to shred apart when cut. However, it’s also worth noting that how your turkey is prepped and cooked could also play a part in the texture of the meat. By cooking your turkey breast-side down, you allow the moisture to flow towards the breast meat which enhances the texture.
Pros & Cons for Turkey
Frozen Turkey: Pros
- They are cheaper than fresh
- You can buy early and store up until Christmas
- You can find it at most supermarkets
Fresh Turkey: Pros
- Fresh turkeys are much tastier
- There is no need to thaw
- It’s easier to find organic or free-range turkeys
- You can season and cook immediately
- You have more options
Frozen Turkey: Cons
- It takes more time to prep due to thawing
- Many contain additional salt or ingredients to preserve
Fresh Turkey Cons
- They’re more expensive
- They are limited on where you can buy
Conclusion
If buying a full turkey is too intimidating, pick up a turkey breast in its place. You can roast it the old-style way in the oven, or free up space by cooking it in a slow cooker. For those who desire dark meat, braised turkey thighs or hot-and-spicy turkey legs are great options.