A heritage turkey costs more than a supermarket turkey, but it’s better for you, healthier, and better for the environment.
The American Poultry Association named seven types of heritage turkeys the “Standard of Perfection” in 1874. This is the official list of breed standards for poultry. Despite this recognition, traditional heritage birds were eventually eclipsed by tender, milder, big-breasted breeds in the 20th century.
In fact, the Thanksgiving turkey you’re used to eating probably isn’t a heritage turkey. It became so common for turkeys to have big breasts that NBC News said heritage turkeys were “on the brink of extinction in the United States”1. The outlet reports that as of 2001, there were only about a dozen Narragansett turkeys in the country.
Today, things are looking up. There are now over 15,000 heritage turkeys in the United States, thanks to a few farms that only raise heritage turkeys. It’s not nearly as many as the 218 million turkeys raised for commercial purposes, but it’s a good start2.
It can be harder to find a heritage turkey for Thanksgiving, and they are more expensive than the Broad Breasted White turkey that is raised in factories. But before you give up the search, it’s important to understand the benefits. Here at Organic Authority, we love making an informed decision for our health and our planet. If you want to choose non-toxic cookware and bakeware or look into the best greens powder options, we’re here to give you the information you need. Let’s cover the differences and benefits to answer one simple question: Is a heritage turkey worth it?.
Heirloom turkeys have become increasingly popular in recent years but what exactly are they? This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about heirloom turkeys.
What is an Heirloom Turkey?
An heirloom turkey is a breed of domesticated turkey that has unique genetic traits passed down through generations. These turkeys have a long lineage and their traits have been carefully preserved over decades or even centuries
Heirloom turkeys are prized for their distinctive looks, flavors, and culinary qualities. They come from rare and endangered turkey breeds that were common on small family farms before the rise of industrial turkey farming.
Some common characteristics of heirloom turkeys include:
- Unique plumage colors and patterns
- Ability to reproduce naturally
- Foraging behaviors similar to wild turkeys
- Slower growth rate and longer lifespan than commercial turkeys
- Rich, robust flavor
Difference Between Heirloom and Heritage Turkeys
Heirloom and heritage turkeys are often confused, but there are some key differences:
- Heirloom refers specifically to turkeys, while heritage can apply to any livestock breed.
- Heritage focuses on maintaining traits over time, while heirloom emphasizes original, inherited traits.
- All heirloom turkeys are heritage, but not all heritage turkeys are heirlooms.
Popular Heirloom Turkey Breeds
There are many rare and beautiful heirloom turkey breeds to discover. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
-
Bourbon Red: Rich, chestnut red plumage with white flight feathers. Known for fine texture and elegant flavor.
-
Jersey Buff: Distinctive buff or fawn-colored feathers. Smaller size, but excellent rich taste.
-
Narragansett: Unique mix of bronze, steel gray, white, and black feathers. Hardy dual-purpose bird.
-
Standard Bronze: Striking, iridescent black plumage with bronze accents. Descended from wild turkeys.
-
Black Spanish: Elegant solid black feathers that shimmer green and purple. Smaller size, but excellent flavor.
There are many other rare and beautiful heirloom breeds too numerousto mention, each with their own special qualities.
Why Choose an Heirloom Turkey?
Heirloom turkeys have seen a resurgence in popularity for several key reasons:
Superior flavor – Heirlooms are prized by chefs and gourmands for their richness, juiciness, and complexity. The flavor is closer to wild turkeys.
Sustainability – Their diversity is critical for food security. Heirlooms preserve rare genetics.
Humane raising – They live long, natural lives wandering freely. This reduces disease and stress.
Unique appearance – With exotic colors and patterns, they are far more striking than plain white turkeys.
Historic value – Heirlooms let us taste history and connect to time-honored traditions.
Cooking qualities – Their diverse flavors and textures lend themselves to creative culinary uses.
So in many ways, choosing an heirloom turkey is the perfect way to add beauty, sustainability, and mouthwatering flavor to your holiday table.
Availability and Cost of Heirloom Turkeys
The largest challenge of heirloom turkeys is their limited availability. Only a small number of specialized farms raise them. Due to their slow growth and rarity, heirlooms cost significantly more than typical supermarket turkeys.
Prices range from $6-$12 per pound for a whole heirloom turkey, compared to $1-$2 per pound for a standard turkey. The high price reflects the old-fashioned, hands-on methods of raising them.
If you seek an heirloom for your holiday meal, plan ahead and contact local specialty poultry farms. Be prepared to pay premium pricing for the privilege of experiencing superb flavor and upholding culinary history.
Cooking an Heirloom Turkey
The rich taste and old-fashioned genetics of heirloom turkeys make them perfectly suited for traditional roasting. Low and slow techniques allow their complex flavors to develop fully.
Here are some tips for cooking your heirloom bird to perfection:
-
Brine the turkey – A saltwater brine enhances juiciness and flavor.
-
Roast uncovered – Basting frequently helps produce a beautifully browned skin.
-
Aromatics inside – Stuff the cavity with lemons, onions, herbs for extra flavor.
-
Use a meat thermometer – Cook to 165°F in breast and 175°F in thighs.
-
Let rest before carving – At least 20 minutes allows juices to absorb.
-
Make gravy from drippings – This ensures the richest, most flavorful gravy.
With its superb genetics, your heirloom turkey will reward you with a tasting experience unlike any other when properly prepared.
Finding an Heirloom Turkey Farmer
Seeking out a local producer is the best way to get your hands on these rare birds. Check farmer’s markets, food co-ops, CSAs, and local ads for leads.
You can also contact heirloom poultry organizations like the Society for Preservation of Poultry Antiquities, the Heritage Turkey Foundation, and the Livestock Conservancy. They help connect consumers with farmers raising heirloom turkeys.
Be sure to order as early as possible, even 6-12 months in advance. Heirloom turkeys require careful planning by farmers. To experience authentic heirloom flavor, seek out the small farmers passionately preserving these historic breeds.
Heirloom turkeys provide a delicious glimpse into the past of American poultry. Their unique genetics, behaviors, and superior flavor make them a prized choice for holiday meals. By supporting heirloom turkey farmers, we help rare breeds thrive.
Heritage turkeys are more sustainable and more humane.
By definition, Heritage turkeys are bred much more naturally than mass-produced turkeys. Even though we still want you to do your own research, a heritage turkey is generally a better choice for the environment than a supermarket turkey.
As we mentioned earlier, heritage turkeys tend to be slaughtered much later than commercially bred turkeys. This is one reason why they cost more, but another is that most farmers who choose to raise heritage turkeys also choose to use other environmentally friendly methods in their work.
Heidi Diestel, an organic heirloom turkey farmer at Diestel Family Turkey Ranch, says, “Choosing a sustainably raised bird for Thanksgiving means supporting farming methods that are kind to the animals and the land, and which lead to a pure and healthy turkey.” Our birds are raised with care and are allowed to grow slowly and naturally. They get lots of fresh air and space to roam, whether they are inside or outside. ”.
That said, keep in mind that the terms “heritage” and “heirloom” turkey only refer to a breed. If you want to be certain that a farmer uses sustainable practices, you might also want to opt for additional labels, like the Global Animal Partnership certification that Diestel Family Ranch has earned. You can also find turkeys with antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed, certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and pasture-raised labels.
The Benefits of Choosing a Heritage Turkey for Thanksgiving
However, there’s one dish that screams Thanksgiving more than anything else, and that’s turkey. On the other hand, if you really want to be a vegetarian on Thanksgiving, there are many better options than turkey. We understand if you’re not ready to give up tradition just yet. You can still choose a heritage turkey that is better for you and the environment.
This year, a heritage turkey might be a better choice for you and your family for these 5 reasons.
Heritage Turkey Breeds
FAQ
What makes a turkey heirloom?
What is the difference between heirloom and heritage turkey whole foods?
Is heirloom turkey better?
What is the flavor of heirloom turkeys?