Thanksgiving Turkey - Free Range or Store Bought?

Last year and this year we got/are getting our turkey from a local farmer. Their turkeys are free range and raised organic, although they not certified (costs $$ to get certified organic).

Last year we just roasted it as we would any turkey and it was delicious, very moist and tender, although I can't say that it was significantly better taste-wise than a conventional turkey. Mostly I like to buy from this farmer at our local market because they're nice - an old hippie dude with a long grey ponytail and his sweet wife. I just like to support a local farmer and also like knowing that my food came from down the road and lived a fairly happy little turkey life before he met his maker and my dinner table.

Butterball turkeys are pumped with antibiotics. They lead short, unhappy lives. They're a breed of turkey that cannot reproduce without human assistance anymore. That being said, that's what my mother cooks and that's what I eat like a good girl every Thanksgiving, but since you have the choice it seems like the better option to me. It's less cruel and healthier for you, double win. Sorry about the wallet hit though.

I switched to organic/Free range several years ago and notice a difference in flavor. I brine my turkey so it stays moist, but there seems to be a richer flavor and texture to the meat. This is of course just my opinion, but I say go for it!

Wow, that is so awesome. I try to only eat meat that has been raised under humane conditions and does not have antibiotics or steroids in it. My meat consumption is very limited and usually only comes from Whole Foods. I don't have the option to purchase it straight from the farm, but if I did, that would be so amazing. Definitely go with the free range. You pay for what you get and I guarantee it will taste good and you will feel good about eating it. You are lucky to be able to directly support farmers who use these types of food practices. I wish this was the norm and not the exception. I'm a little jealous, but so happy for you:)

I buy free free range whenever I can. I figure if something can die for me I'm going to do everything I can to make sure it had the best possible life up until that point. I'm willing to pay more for that. I already pay more for organic pastured milk (Organic Valley, NOT Organic Horizon), free range eggs, and the occasional bit of meat.
I don't know about poultry but I have read a bit of research that says pastured beef is healthier than regular feedlot beef. Less saturated fat, more vitamin D, can't remember the specifics. It makes sense that turkey would be the similar. It stands to reason that an animal raised outside and allowed to exercise and forage would be healthier than an animal crammed in a cage and packed full of antibiotics just to keep them alive. The animal that is in better shape would therefore be healthier for us to eat.
I'd rather pay a little more and get better quality and eat a little less animal products than spend a little less and get more torture and less quality.
I'll get off my soapbox now.

in this thread we humanize our turkeys

I prefer hunting range turkeys personally, but when that doesn't work out, I go looking for turkey's that have been raised in a nice home with a loving family that feed them well, took them for moonlit strolls, and named them with strong meaningful names, and then, just when the turkey is resting comfortable and relaxed, their heads are chopped off. The meat is more juicy and tender when the birds don't know it's coming.

Last year was a bad hunting range year, so we ended up having to eat Larry instead. He was delish!

What about if you bought free range turkey at a store? :devil:

I have no experience with turkeys, but I do own a black angus cattle farm and can honestly tell you our meat is much better. We use no hormones, steroids, etc. and feed our cows only hay with occassional grain (which is simply corn). The flavor is better, the marbeling is better, even the fat is less fatty (if that makes sense, LOL). I will never buy beef at the store again. We are in the process of ading pigs and chickens...I cannot WAIT to see how much better fresh bacon is!!!

I have no experience with turkeys, but I do own a black angus cattle farm and can honestly tell you our meat is much better. We use no hormones, steroids, etc. and feed our cows only hay with occassional grain (which is simply corn). The flavor is better, the marbeling is better, even the fat is less fatty (if that makes sense, LOL). I will never buy beef at the store again. We are in the process of ading pigs and chickens...I cannot WAIT to see how much better fresh bacon is!!!

Fresh bacon is absolutely incredible!