The Best Places to Buy Fresh, High-Quality Turkey Meat

Turkey is a lean, versatile protein that can be used in everything from sandwiches to hearty casseroles. But finding high-quality turkey that tastes great can be tricky. Not all turkey is created equal! The source and farming methods make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s an overview of the best places to buy fresh natural turkey meat you’ll actually look forward to eating.

Online Mail Order Companies

Ordering high-end turkey meat online has become very popular for getting premium products shipped directly to your door. Online companies like:

• Meat N’ Bone – Offers heritage turkeys that are pasture-raised on small family farms using humane practices Known for amazing flavor and texture

• D’Artagnan – Sells free-range, organic and heritage breed turkeys. All turkeys are raised cage-free on vegetarian feed with no antibiotics ever.

• Peacock Ridge Farm – Specializes in heritage breed Narragansett turkeys that are allowed to roam and graze freely.

• Heritage Foods USA – Sources heritage turkeys from family farms across the USA. Birds are slow grown for better flavor.

The benefit of ordering online is getting access to high-end specialty turkey breeds that will likely not be at your neighborhood grocery store.

Local Butcher Shops or Meat Markets

Visiting a local butcher shop is another excellent option for sourcing quality whole turkeys and cuts of turkey meat. Local butchers can provide:

• Custom cuts – Get turkey breasts, drumsticks, wings, etc. cut to your specifications.

• Local farms – Many partner with nearby turkey farms so the meat is fresh

• Heritage breeds – Some may carry heritage turkeys like Bourbon Red or Standard Bronze.

• Dry aged options – They can dry age the whole turkey or specific cuts for more flavor.

• Seasonings/marinades – Their house-made selections take the guesswork out of seasoning.

• Cooking advice – The butcher can provide advice for getting the most out of different cuts.

Ask for farm sourcing details when purchasing to ensure the highest quality.

Specialty Grocery Stores

Not all supermarket turkey is made equal. Check the meat counter at higher end grocers for better quality options:

• Whole Foods – Broad selection of natural, organic, free-range, pasture-raised, and heritage breed turkeys.

• Bristol Farms – Carries premium specialty turkeys, including organic, free-range, kosher, heritage breeds, and unique seasonal offerings.

• Eataly – Imports premium Italian turkey breeds like the rare Black Turkey of Piedmont. Also carries heritage breeds.

• AJ’s Fine Foods – Upscale chain in the Southwest US featuring premium Thanksgiving turkeys from the likes of Mary’s Ranch.

Even large chains like Kroger, Albertsons, and Safeway now carry more natural turkey options beyond the standard Butterball.

Local Farms

Searching for a turkey farm near you can yield the ultimate farm-to-table experience. Benefits of direct local purchasing include:

• Turkey breeds – Heritage, heirloom, and specialty breeds sold directly.

• Freshly processed – Many farms offer customers fresh processing of purchased birds.

• Farm practices – You can see first-hand how your turkey was raised.

• Sourcing process – Develop a relationship directly with the turkey grower.

• Support local – Keeps money in the community and helps small farms.

• Seasonal options – Limited editions like a fresh Thanksgiving turkey.

Look for humane certification seals to confirm proper practices.

Tips for Picking the Best Turkey

Follow these simple tips for identifying top-notch turkey:

• Heritage breed – Traditional heritage breeds have more flavor and juiciness.

• Pasture-raised – Allows birds to roam freely outdoors eating grass, bugs, etc. Boosts flavor.

• Organic feed – Non-GMO feed free of chemicals and antibiotics produces healthier birds.

• Air-chilled – Maintains juiciness and tenderness versus water chilling en masse.

• Dry aged – Ageing concentrates flavor and tenderizes meat naturally.

• Verified humane – Third party audited seal confirms ethical farm practices.

• Moderate size – 15-18 lbs turkeys tend to be more tender than oversized birds.

• Color – Meat should be pale pink to creamy white, not too dark.

A little extra effort seeking out the best turkey is well rewarded once that first juicy, flavorful bite hits your plate!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best online company for buying turkey?

Top mail order turkey companies include D’Artagnan, Meat N’ Bone, Heritage Foods USA, and Peacock Ridge Farms. All source premium quality turkey from small family farms.

Should you buy turkey at a butcher shop?

Yes, butcher shops are an excellent local source. You can get custom cuts, ask about sourcing, and sometimes find local heritage breeds.

Is the turkey at Whole Foods good quality?

Yes, Whole Foods does carry very good quality natural, pasture-raised, heritage breed and organic turkey options beyond typical grocery store birds.

Is buying directly from a turkey farm better?

Buying directly from a local turkey farm can offer the freshest, highest quality experience since you are purchasing straight from the source.

What’s the most important thing when choosing turkey?

Look for birds that were allowed to roam freely and were fed a natural, vegetarian diet. Heritage breeds also provide more flavor.

Try These Delicious Turkey Recipes

Take your high-quality turkey to the next level with these tasty recipe ideas:

• Rosemary Roasted Turkey Breast
• Turkey Meatloaf with Goat Cheese
• Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
• Turkey Pumpkin Chili
• Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
• BBQ Turkey Burgers with Avocado Relish
• Italian Turkey Sausage Pasta
• Slow Cooker Turkey Mole Enchiladas
• Spicy Turkey Jerky

With so many wonderful sources available, there’s no reason to settle for boring, bland turkey meat. Seek out high-end fresh options and enjoy this versatile lean protein taken to new heights. Your taste buds will thank you!