Shopping for a turkey should be easy! Here are some tips from a professional chef that will make finding and buying the perfect turkey a breeze.
Some say fresh turkeys taste better, but we can barely tell the difference (other than price). Norma Farrell, a consumer-education specialist at the National Turkey Federation, says there’s no real quality difference between the two. Frozen turkeys are flash-frozen after processing to preserve them, and “fresh” turkeys can be many days old by the time you buy them. And just in case you forget to defrost, you can cook a Thanksgiving turkey from frozen.
The holidays are fast approaching which means it’s time to start thinking about the star of your festive dinner table – the turkey! But when you head to the grocery store you’ll be faced with a decision – tom turkey or hen turkey? What’s the difference, and which makes for a better holiday bird? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Differences Between Tom and Hen Turkeys
Before deciding between a tom or hen. it helps to understand some key differences between the two
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Size: Tom turkeys are males and tend to be much larger than hens, which are females. A tom can weigh over 16 pounds, while a hen is usually under 16 pounds.
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Meat Yield: The larger size of toms means more total meat. However, since toms have bigger bones, the proportion of edible meat to waste may be lower.
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Breast Meat: Hens often have a higher ratio of white breast meat compared to dark meat. Toms have a bit more dark meat.
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Flavor: Some perceive toms as having a slightly stronger, gamier taste compared to the more mild-flavored hens.
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Tenderness: Age has a bigger impact on tenderness than gender. Young hens under 16 weeks tend to be the most tender.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tom vs Hen
With those differences in mind, which turkey makes the optimal choice for your holiday feast? Here are some key factors to consider when picking tom vs hen:
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Number of Guests: If feeding a crowd, a tom’s extra meat and size may be preferable. For smaller gatherings, a hen may be sufficient.
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Oven Size: Make sure your oven can fit the turkey size you select. Compact hens may work better.
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Flavor Preferences: Go with a tom for bold, rich flavor. Choose a hen for milder taste.
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Cooking Method: Smaller hens excel for frying or smoking. Larger toms are ideal for roasting.
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Budget: Per pound, hens cost less than toms. But toms provide more total meat for your dollar.
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Presentation: Tom turkeys make a more dramatic table centerpiece.
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Leftovers: With their size, toms offer more leftovers. Hens mean less waste.
Buying Tips for Tom vs Hen Turkeys
Here are some extra purchasing tips for holiday tom or hen turkeys:
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Shop early, as smaller hens sell out fast. Toms are easier to find last-minute.
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Allow 1-1.5 pounds per person when estimating turkey size.
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Heirloom breeds have more flavor but smaller sizes.
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Avoid brining kosher or self-basting turkeys since they’re pre-salted.
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For maximum tenderness, look for “young turkey” under 16 weeks.
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Free-range, pasture-raised and organic offer different raising methods.
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Fresh turkeys must be cooked within 2 days; frozen ones need thawing.
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Check for USDA Grade A for optimal quality and consistency.
Cooking and Carving Tom vs Hen Turkeys
Once you’ve selected your tom or hen turkey, follow these tips for the best results:
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Roasting: Cook times depend on size, not gender. Calculate 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F.
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Seasoning: Brine hens up to 12 hours, toms up to 24 for moisture and flavor.
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Basting: Baste hens every 30 minutes, toms every 45 minutes to prevent drying.
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Internal Temp: Cook all turkeys to 165°F in thickest breast/thigh areas.
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Resting: Let birds rest at least 30 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.
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Carving: Slice hen breast meat thin across the grain. Cut tom breast meat off bone in chunks.
The Bottom Line
When picking between a tom vs hen turkey for your holiday meal, consider your guest numbers, budget, flavor preferences and cooking method. For lots of juicy meat and leftovers, a tom is a sure thing. For smaller groups or white meat fans, a petite hen may be ideal. Whichever you select, cook thoroughly, let rest properly, and carve correctly for the perfect holiday centerpiece turkey!
Know the difference between “organic” and “natural”
Organic turkeys are usually the most expensive options for Thanksgiving. They meet the “free-range” criteria, so they have access to the outdoors, and they’re fed a USDA-certified organic diet free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, additives or animal by-products. Because they cost more, we recommend saving money by picking a smaller bird. Learn more about how to read poultry labels.
Look for a hen turkey
There are two types of turkeys: female hen turkeys and male tom turkeys. If you buy a turkey that’s over 18 pounds, it’s likely a tom turkey. Other than size, there’s no real difference between the two, except that toms have larger bones and less edible meat. Most grocery stores sell tom turkeys, so you’ll want to shop at a local farm or ask your butcher if you specifically want a hen.
Tom or Hen Turkey Poult? How To Tell the Difference
FAQ
Which turkey tastes better, Tom or hen?
Most those in the industry feel that a hen is better tasting and more tender than a tom turkey. Much as to do with personal preference. Tom turkeys have larger bones and less edible portions, which may be reason for hens as preference by most.
What is the best type of turkey to eat?
If you are solely looking at them for meat, my recommendation is a broad breasted white as white turkeys present the most appealing carcass after processing. Broad breasted turkeys were developed for the best feed conversion to meat. They require the shortest amount of time to raise to the point of processing.
Do male and female turkeys taste different?
No, male and female turkeys generally taste the same. However, male turkeys (toms) are usually larger and may have slightly tougher meat compared to female turkeys (hens), which are smaller and often more tender.
What is the best tasting turkey variety?
Midget Whites Midget Whites are often the number one tasting bird in Heritage and commercial breed taste tests .Jan 17, 2014
What is the difference between Tom and hen turkey?
From a nutritional standpoint, there are no significant health differences between tom and hen turkey meat. The differences lie mainly in taste and texture. 10. Do hens produce smaller or fewer leftovers than toms? Since hens have less meat, you may have fewer leftovers compared to cooking a tom turkey.
Should I buy a turkey hen or a hen?
Flavor Preferences: Choose a tom if you want rich, bold turkey flavor. Go for a hen if you prefer milder taste. Cooking Method: Smaller hens often work better for deep frying or smoking. Larger toms excel when roasted. Budget: Hens cost less per pound since they are smaller. Toms offer more meat for your dollar but a higher upfront cost.
Are hens better than Toms?
Tenderness-wise, hens are often considered to be more tender and juicy, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a moist texture in their turkey meat. While both toms and hens can be delicious and succulent, the ultimate determining factor for choosing between the two often comes down to size and cooking preference.
What is the difference between a Turkey and a hen?
One of the two genders of turkeys is the tom, an adult male. The female turkey, or hen, is the opposite gender. Toms typically weigh 18 to 32 pounds, making them heavier than hens. Their physical characteristics distinguish them from hens, including their bigger size and a beard on their breast. They are also referred to as gobblers.
Should I buy a Tom or a hen turkey?
In conclusion, the decision between a tom or hen turkey depends on personal preferences such as size, tenderness, and cooking requirements. While toms are often favored for their larger size, hens are known for their tender and moist meat. Ultimately, both toms and hens can provide a delightful turkey feast for any occasion.
How do I choose a Tom & hen turkey for Thanksgiving?
When it comes to choosing between a tom and hen turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, it largely comes down to your own preferences. Make sure to factor in the number of guests, your budget, and cooking methods. For moist, delicious meat and lots of leftovers, a tom is a classic choice.