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A showstopping Thanksgiving meal has never been easier.
Credit:Joyce Farms
Then, when the week of Thanksgiving rolls around, all you gotta purchase is fresh produce.
These are the best birds for the big event.
They have access to outdoor pastures and are grown in small flocks in clean conditions.
Credit: Joyce Farms
They have some of the best poultry I’ve ever tried.
Orders shipped Monday-Wednesday for one or two day transit.
Green loves DArtagnan turkeys.
Credit: Farm Foods Market
Heritage, pasture-raised turkey has a transcendentally better flavor, in my opinion.
The taste is richer and not waterlogged.
Delivery is timely and seamless, though we do wish it came in more environmentally friendly packaging.
Credit: D’Artagnan
Pro tip:skip the basting for a crispy, golden skin.
Packaging and instructions like with all Harry & David products, are reliable.
Plus, the included express shipping gets it there sooner, allaying some of that holiday meal stress.
Credit: Harry & David
The spicy, deep-fried 10- to 12-pound turkey from Uncle Rays serves eight to 10 people and ships free.
The 9- to 10-pound bird comes cured and smoked with hickory wood chips and feeds eight to 12 people.
We do wish it came in more sizes to accommodate larger and smaller gatherings.
Credit: Goldbelly
If you arent sure how to cook just a breast, weve got you covered withthese five recipes.
This also makes a nice option if you wantto serve a hamor roast in addition to turkey.
Standard shipping rates apply, and FedEx Overnight or Priority shipping is available.
Credit: Goldbelly
A proprietary seasoning blend is sprinkled all over the turkey and then vacuum-sealed for maximum flavor and freshness.
They ship anywhere in the U.S. via Goldbelly for free.
This air-dried and dry-brined turkey makes a stunning centerpiece for traditional family gatherings orchosen family Friendsgivings.
Credit: D’Artagnan
And you’re free to feel good about the sustainable insulation packaging crafted from recycled denim.
Then its slow smoked over pecan wood for a sweet smoke flavor.
Then comes the gravy.
Credit: Goldbelly
Most of the turkeys from our list come in varying sizes to accommodate whatever gathering you are planning.
If you’re buying turkey breast, it’s about 8 ounces per person.
Webroke down the debate for you here, including cost, taste, versatility, and prep time.
Credit: Organic Prairie
He likes to inject his turkeys himself with his secret ingredient, mayonnaise.
The fat from the mayonnaise adds the moisture you perceive when eating.
Let the turkey rest for at least 1 hour before carving, he said.
Credit: Goldbelly
Certifications
Do your due diligence when selecting a turkey.
For example,our top pick, is pasture-raised and hand-processed.
TheDArtagnan turkeyson our list have been Green Circle certified by Humane Farm Animal Care.
Be sure to read the label and research the purveyor to check that their values align with yours.
Greens hot take is, … organic doesn’t equate to better.
I care about how the turkeys actually spend their lives.
Are they humanely raised?
Or are they truly pasture-raised and can forage outdoors and fly?
Are they slow going and given time to develop flavor?
Or are they quickly produced and raised to meet market weight as soon as possible?
Are they air-chilled or water-chilled?
Water chilled makes the birds retain water, which then inflates the cost to the consumer.
Questions and Answers
When do I need to order a turkey for Thanksgiving?
Turkeys tend to only become available seasonally so keep an eye out as Thanksgiving closes in.
Just verify tofreeze it properlyand leave it time to thaw properly.
How much turkey should you order per person?
The general rule of thumb stands at 1 to 1.5 pounds of meat per person.
Be sure to account for the extra weight from bones in whole turkeys in your calculations.
For a party of 10, order at least a 15-pound whole turkey.
How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?
As you plan out your meal prep, the turkey thawing needs to be figured in.
How long does it take to cook a Thanksgiving turkey?
For ourSimple Roasted Turkeyan unstuffed 14- to 16-pound turkey takes three hours from prep to resting.
If you elect to stuff your turkey, add at least 15 minutes to the total cooking time.
Employ ameat thermometerto ensure your bird is done.
The breast should be at about 160F.
After resting, the temperature will rise to a moist, perfect 165F.
