With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about what type of turkey you want to serve. Will it be fresh or frozen? Free-run or kosher? Butterball, flattened or half the size? Turkey roll or roast? And what in the world is a turducken?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you a rundown of the different types of turkey so that you can make an informed decision come the holidays. Let’s get started!
Ready to order for the holidays?
Fresh Turkey
As the name suggests, fresh turkeys have never been frozen. They must be cooked within a few days of purchase (check the best before date!) or frozen until you are ready to cook it. Are fresh turkeys better than frozen? We’ll let you decide…but many people believe that fresh turkeys taste better than frozen ones. They find them juicer too. If you’re looking for a fresh turkey, your best bet is to purchase one from your local farmer or butcher.
Fresh turkeys may be firm with a “crispy crunch” exterior meaning they were transported at temperatures around the freezing mark (pretty common these days!). This is not a deep freeze but rather a method of slowing down the growth of bacteria. These colder temperatures ensure the safest product possible…because the last thing anyone wants are ill guests at the holidays!
Wondering how to store a whole turkey? Check out how to do it safely at CanadianTurkey.ca.
Frozen Turkey
Frozen turkeys are, well, frozen. They can be stored in your freezer for up to a year and simply need to be thawed before cooking. For instructions on thawing a whole turkey, visit CanadianTurkey.ca.
Free-Run Turkey
Free-run turkeys are raised in an open environment in which the flock can freely run the entire barn floor. These barns are often open sided to allow for fresh air while protecting the flocks from extreme heat and predators.
Free-Range Turkey
Free-range turkeys are raised with free access to roam the barn and when whether permits, access to the outdoors. Outdoor access in Canada is limited do to the changing seasons. Turkey farmers are cautious about free-ranging turkeys and other poultry because losses from predators can be devastating. As such, it can be more difficult to find free-range poultry.
Kosher Turkey
Kosher turkeys are raised, processed and prepared according to Jewish dietary law.
Butterball Turkey
Butterball is a brand of turkey, not a specific type of turkey. Fresh Butterball turkeys are pre-injected with brine that contains water, lemon juice, sodium ascorbate, modified corn starch, and flavours to enhance the flavour and shelf-life. Pre-brined turkeys can turn out to be saltier than you wanted, especially if you want to add your own seasoning to the turkey. Also keep in mind that you are paying for about 4-8% water weight that has been added to the turkey.
Flattened Turkey
A flattened turkey (also called spatchcock) is, as you might have guessed, a turkey that has been flattened. The backbone is removed so that the turkey lays flat. This method of preparation results in a bird that cooks evenly and quickly.
Half-Turkey
A half-turkey is exactly what it sounds like: half of a turkey. This option is perfect for smaller gatherings or if you don’t want leftovers. A half-turkey is typically split length-wise down the back bone so that each half has 1 leg (drum and thigh), 1 breast, and one wing.
Turkey Roast or Turkey Roll
A turkey roast or turkey roll is boneless turkey meat that has been rolled and tied with butcher’s twine. It can be made of white meat or a combination of white and dark meat. Some like to stuff the centre of the roll with classic turkey stuffing or other flavours. This cut is very convenient as it cooks evenly and quickly. Simply season it well before cooking.
Turducken
A Turducken is essentially three birds in one—a chicken stuffed into a duck which has been stuffed into a turkey (turkey + duck + chicken = Turducken). Turducken is not a common sight, likely because they are complicated and time-consuming for butchers to make.
There you have it—a guide to the different types of turkey available on the market today. No matter what type of turkey you ultimately decide to prepare for your holiday feast, we hope it’s delicious! Bon appétit!
Wondering how to place an order for the holidays? Get all the details here!
