Best Turkeys for the Holidays: Heritage and Free Range Picks Worth Knowing

Introduction

There is big news in turkey land, and it is called heritage birds. These are old fashioned breeds raised the way they were raised a hundred years ago, and they deliver a turkey that is absolutely delicious. But heritage is not the only route to a better bird: if your family prefers white meat, a quality free range turkey can be the smarter pick. Here are two options from Mary’s that cover both camps, plus what to know before you head to the supermarket.

What Makes a Heritage Turkey Different

A heritage bird looks noticeably different from a conventional supermarket turkey right away. The legs are much longer, the keel bone is very high, and the breast is narrow and quite small. The modern turkey really dates back to the 1950s, when it was bred for more white meat, but the heritage bird is closer to how the animal is in nature.

There are practical things to be aware of too. You may find a few pin feathers that you can simply pluck out. In return, the bird carries a lot of fat, with pockets of it everywhere, reportedly four to five times as much as a conventional bird. That fat is what makes the turkey delicious. The meat can even appear almost bluish purple, because the bird was actually exercised and got to run around, which makes for a much tastier product with a gamier flavor.

Our Top Heritage Pick: Mary’s Heritage Turkey

Mary’s is a top rated heritage bird. It is really quite delicious, and cooking becomes so much easier when the turkey starts out delicious. If you can find a heritage bird in the supermarket, this is the one to buy.

What to Look For on the Label

If you cannot find a heritage bird, start with the thing to avoid: an injected bird. Check the label, because it may say the turkey contains up to 8% added solution and list a bunch of ingredients. In taste testing, you can taste those ingredients, and they do not make the turkey better. Look for a turkey with nothing other than turkey in it. Labels like antibiotic free, free range and vegetarian fed are also good signs.

Our Favorite Free Range Option: Mary’s Free Range Turkey

This is a favorite brand in the free range category. It is also a great option if your family likes white meat, since it has a much larger breast than a heritage bird. Any brand, fresh or frozen, is pretty much the same in this category, so the label basics matter more than the name on the package.

Fresh or Frozen: Which Should You Buy?

Fresh or frozen are pretty much the same in quality. The only big difference is planning: with a frozen bird, you need to defrost it for several days ahead of cooking. Build that into your holiday schedule and the rest is easy.

Conclusion

Cooking the turkey feels complicated, but the hardest part is already done when you start with a better bird at the supermarket. Choose the heritage bird if you want deep, gamier flavor and plenty of fat, or pick the free range option if your table leans toward white meat. Either way, a better starting bird means a much more delicious turkey at the table. Enjoy.