Heritage turkeys additionally are usually slaughtered later than standard turkeys – on common at about 28 weeks versus 16 weeks for standard. It is because heritage birds naturally develop at a slower price. Whereas that is one contributing issue to their greater worth level, the opposite is that almost all farmers who choose to boost heritage turkeys additionally select to include different sustainable practices into their work.
“Selecting a sustainably raised hen for Thanksgiving means supporting farming practices which are respectful to the animals and the land, and which finally end in a healthful and wholesome turkey,” explains Heidi Diestel, natural heirloom turkey farmer at Diestel Household Turkey Ranch. “Our thoughtfully raised birds develop slowly and naturally, with loads of recent air and room to roam, whether or not indoors or outside.”
That mentioned, do keep in mind that the phrases heritage and heirloom turkey solely discuss with a breed: if you wish to make certain that the farmer makes use of sustainable practices, you might also want to go for further certifications, such because the World Animal Partnership label that Diestel has earned. You can too discover turkeys with antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed, licensed natural, Non-GMO Undertaking Verified, and pasture-raised labels.
3. Heritage turkey is tastier.
Making an attempt an heirloom or heritage turkey for the primary time could also be a bit stunning, as a result of it should truly style like one thing – a bit gamier and richer than most grocery store birds. This stronger taste stems from each the heritage breeds themselves and the age of the hen at slaughter. The latter can even make these birds a bit extra textured than the turkey it’s possible you’ll be used to.
In a Bon Appétit style check, whereas folks discovered heritage turkey extra flavorful, additionally they discovered it barely drier; most specialists suggest brining the turkey to make sure that it is moist (learn our information on the Execs and Cons of Brining a Turkey ). Others recommend roasting the breast and darkish meat individually to make sure perfect taste and texture in each parts of the hen.
4. Heritage turkey is more healthy.
Heritage and heirloom turkeys additionally are usually more healthy – not due to any true variations in dietary content material between these breeds and standard birds, however quite due to the best way that they’re raised.
Diestel, for instance, notes that her birds, that are fed a vegetarian eating regimen and given sufficient house to roam and stay wholesome, don’t have to be handled with antibiotics as so many standard birds do.
These methods aren’t simply higher for the well being of these round your desk; additionally they forestall the event of antibiotic-resistant superbugs (aka, they’re more healthy for actually the entire inhabitants).
These strategies are additionally significantly useful for many who work with the turkeys. As Bon Appétit stories, ammonia emissions from poultry waste might be dangerous to the turkeys themselves in addition to to employees working intently with them.
Heritage and heirloom birds additionally typically comprise no components, whereas standard birds are sometimes injected with a answer of water, salt, and flavorings earlier than being bought.
5. It’s a greater dialog piece than politics.
Holidays are at all times rife with uncomfortable questions on ex-boyfriends, different new haircuts, and five-year plans. What higher technique to change the topic than to say, “Hey, Nice-Aunt Margie, what do you all consider this heritage turkey?”
