Finding and Cooking Delicious Bell & Evans Turkey

As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, you may be on the hunt for the perfect turkey for your festive meals. For fantastic flavor and quality, Bell & Evans turkey is a top choice. This popular premium brand offers turkeys that are humanely raised without antibiotics. If you’re wondering where you can buy Bell & Evans turkey this guide will cover places to find it and how to cook it for maximum deliciousness.

What Makes Bell & Evans Turkey Special?

Based in Pennsylvania, Bell & Evans has been selling high-end poultry since the 1940s. Their turkeys stand out for several reasons:

• Antibiotic-free – Their birds are raised without antibiotics, which promotes health.

• Vegetarian diet – They are fed an all-vegetarian diet of corn, soybean meal, and supplements. This enhances flavor.

• Humane treatment – Bell & Evans turkeys live in spacious barns with enrichment They are never cage confined

• Air chilled – After processing, the turkeys are chilled by cold air instead of water. This prevents absorption of excess water.

Thanks to these practices, Bell & Evans turkeys are prized for their juicy and tender meat with delicious old-fashioned turkey flavor. They cost more than standard grocery store brands but are worth it for quality and taste.

Where to Buy Bell & Evans Turkey

Because they are a premium specialty product, Bell & Evans turkeys are not carried nationwide. But they are increasingly available at more grocery retailers and online. Here are some places where you can reliably find them:

• Whole Foods – This natural grocery chain stocks Bell & Evans turkeys fresh for the holidays. Check your meat department.

• FreshDirect – The online grocer sells Bell & Evans pre-brined and kosher turkeys for delivery.

• Instacart – Search Instacart to find and order Bell & Evans turkeys for same-day delivery where available.

• Specialty grocers – Ask your local higher-end and natural food stores like Earth Fare, New Seasons Market, and Metropolitan Market.

• Butcher shops – Many local butchers and meat markets stock Bell & Evans turkeys seasonally. Call ahead to check.

• Direct from Bell & Evans – Order directly from the company online and have your turkey shipped overnight on ice.

The availability may depend on your location, so call grocers in your area or check their websites to confirm. Be sure to order your Bell & Evans turkey at least a couple weeks in advance of when you need it.

Handling and Cooking for Best Results

Once you’ve sourced your premium Bell & Evans turkey, proper handling and cooking are key to bringing out its full flavor and texture:

• Keep it cold – Store the turkey in the coldest part of your fridge until ready to cook. Use within 2 days.

• Season generously – Rub the skin all over with olive oil and generously coat with salt, pepper, herbs, and spice rubs.

• Roast low and slow – Cook at a lower oven temp (325°F) for extended time to get crispy skin and moist meat.

• Let it rest – After roasting, let the turkey rest at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to set.

• Make gravy – Use the turkey pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy to serve with your holiday meal.

• Use leftovers – Shred and freeze the remaining turkey to use in casseroles, sandwiches, soups and other easy meals.

With proper handling and cooking, your Bell & Evans turkey will turn out juicy, tender and full of flavor. The premium quality really makes a difference on your holiday table or for turkey dinner any time of year.

My Go-To Recipe: Herb-Roasted Bell & Evans Turkey

Roasting a whole turkey can seem daunting, but this straightforward herb-roasted turkey recipe yields incredible results every time with minimal fuss. The aromatic herbs permeate the Bell & Evans meat with amazing flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12-15 lb Bell & Evans whole turkey, giblets removed
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Take turkey out of packaging and remove bag of giblets. Pat dry all over with paper towels. Leave turkey on a baking sheet until fully dried.

2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, and all dried herbs and spices. Stir to blend.

3. Starting from the cavity, use your hands to gently loosen the skin from the breast meat. Rub half the herb mixture directly onto the breast meat under the skin.

4. Rub the remaining herb mixture all over the skin of the entire turkey. Season the cavity as well.

5. Tie the legs together with butcher twine. Tuck the wing tips under.

6. Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Let sit for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.

7. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F.

8. Roast turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound, until breast meat registers 165°F and thighs 175°F internally.

9. Let turkey rest 30 minutes before carving. Serve with pan gravy.

The simple herb rub infuses the Bell & Evans turkey with flavor, while the low-and-slow roasting keeps it tender and juicy. This method frees up oven space for other sides too. I hope you’ll try this recipe to enjoy Bell & Evans turkey at its very best!