From Farm to Table: A Journey with CarniStore Turkey

During the holidays, there is no more popular protein than turkey, and for good reason. It's versatile, delicious, and nutritious. It feeds a crowd and is generally accepted by picky eaters and those who generally refrain from red meat and fish. But did you ever stop to think about where your turkey comes from? And what does it take to get it from the farm to your table?

At CarniStore, we're proud to offer our customers the highest quality turkey products, all of which are sourced from sustainable and ethical farms. We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy delicious, healthy, and happy birds, and we're committed to making that happen.

In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey of flavor, from the turkey farm to your table.

We'll discuss everything from the different breeds of turkeys to the best way to cook them. So whether you're a seasoned turkey pro or just getting started, read on for some interesting insights into this delicious protein.

Different breeds of turkeys

There are many different breeds of turkeys, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular breeds include:

• Broad-breasted white turkeys: This is the most common breed of turkey in the United States. Broad-breasted white turkeys are known for their large size and mild flavor.
  
  
• Bourbon Red turkeys: These turkeys are known for their rich, flavorful meat. Bourbon Red turkeys are also a good source of protein and iron.
  
  
• Narragansett turkeys: This breed of turkey is known for its dark, juicy meat. Narragansett turkeys are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

How turkeys are raised

Turkeys are typically raised on ranches where they have access to fresh air and sunshine. They are fed a diet of grains, grass, and their natural meal of choice; insects. Turkeys are usually processed at around 16 weeks old.

How do we choose our turkeys? Well, that’s complicated. After trying endless varieties, we have partnered with a ranch in the US supplying white feather genetics small-medium sized birds with a delicate flavor that is very forgiving when it comes to cooking. All turkeys on this ranch are naturally raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Since they are coming a long way, they are frozen on the ranch after cleaning and packaging. Before dispatching, we brine each turkey in an aromatic solution for at least 2 days. This ensures that the meat is moist and succulent, even if overcooked. It also ensures that the meat is safe to consume, adding a buffer above the expiration date in case customers let it sit a little too long before cooking. Salt does preserve meat after all. An additional benefit is the meat is seasoned well from skin all the way to the bone.

How to cook turkey

There are a myriad of ways to cook turkey. Some popular methods include:

• Roasting: Roasting is a classic way to cook turkey. To roast a turkey, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature at the deepest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• Smoking: We recommend doing this in a pellet grill like a Traeger but purists can happily use a ceramic grill such as kamado or Green Egg or similar. Set the smoker at 300 Fahrenheit. Insert the meat probe thermometer into the deepest part of the turkey and place the turkey on the grates breast side up. Smoke for an hour, then flip the turkey and smoke another hour. Flip once more and let it go until it reaches the internal temp of 165 degrees as above.
  
  
• Grilling: Grilling over charcoal is a great way to cook turkey in the summer. To grill a turkey, you will need a large surface grill. Light some coals and pile them up on one side of the grill. Place your turkey on the unlit side of the grill (this is called indirect grilling). Allow the grill to cook your bird using the residual heat from the coals, turning the turkey every half hour to 45 minutes until fully cooked as per above requirements.

Extra tip: Try spatchcocking your turkey. This allows all the skin to be facing the same direction during the cook, ensuring even browning. It also shortens the cook time by about half an hour, while making presentation and carving a lot easier as well.

No matter how you choose to cook your turkey, be sure to enjoy it with your favorite sides and toppings. Turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that's perfect for any occasion.

CarniStore: Your one-stop shop for all things turkey

If you're looking for the highest quality turkey products, look no further than CarniStore. We offer a wide variety of turkey products, including whole raw turkey, turkey parts such as crowns, legs, breasts, and even wings, as well as smoked turkey. We also offer a variety of turkey-based dishes, such as turkey burgers and turkey sausages. We also sell ground (or minced) turkey which is great for meatballs or making a bolognese for those who don’t eat red meat.

At CarniStore, we're committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience. So what are you waiting for? Order your turkey from CarniStore today and taste the difference!

Additional interesting facts about turkey:

• The average turkey at CarniStore weighs about 13.5 pounds, roughly 6 kgs.
• Turkeys are native to North America.
• The first Thanksgiving feast is thought to have included turkey.
• Turkey is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
• Turkey is a low-fat meat.
• Turkey is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Finally,

Turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving or grilling turkey burgers in the summer, be sure to enjoy this flavorful and nutritious meat year round. And if you're looking for the highest quality turkey products, look no further than CarniStore!