Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious food, and giving thanks for all the good things in life. And what better centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast than a perfectly roasted turkey? But with so many options available, choosing the right turkey can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We’ve tasted and reviewed some of the best mail-order turkeys available, so you can find the perfect bird for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Why Choose Mail Order Turkey?
Ordering your Thanksgiving turkey online offers several advantages⁚
- Convenience⁚ Skip the crowded grocery store lines and have your turkey delivered right to your doorstep.
- Variety⁚ Mail-order options provide access to a wider selection of turkeys, including organic, pasture-raised, and heritage breeds.
- Quality⁚ Many mail-order providers offer premium turkeys raised with high standards of animal welfare and ethical practices.
- Guaranteed Freshness⁚ Turkeys are shipped frozen or fresh, ensuring optimal quality and freshness.
Our Methodology⁚ How We Tested the Best Mail Order Turkeys
To determine the best mail-order turkeys of 2024, we followed a rigorous testing process⁚
- Selection⁚ We researched and selected a diverse range of mail-order turkey providers, focusing on those with a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.
- Ordering⁚ We placed orders for turkeys from each provider, ensuring a variety of sizes and breeds.
- Delivery⁚ We assessed the delivery process, including speed, packaging, and condition of the turkeys upon arrival.
- Preparation⁚ We followed the recommended cooking instructions provided by each provider and carefully monitored the roasting process.
- Tasting⁚ We evaluated the turkeys based on several factors, including⁚
- Flavor⁚ Juiciness, tenderness, and overall taste.
- Texture⁚ The consistency of the meat, both white and dark.
- Appearance⁚ The color and presentation of the roasted turkey.
- Value⁚ We considered the price of each turkey in relation to its quality and overall value.
The 9 Best Mail Order Turkeys of 2024
After thorough testing and evaluation, here are our top picks for the best mail-order turkeys of 2024⁚
1. D’Artagnan⁚ The Ultimate Gourmet Choice
D’Artagnan is a renowned provider of premium, ethically raised meats, and their turkeys are no exception. Their pasture-raised, free-range turkeys are known for their exceptional flavor and tender texture. They offer a variety of sizes and breeds, including the heritage Bourbon Red turkey, a true gourmet delight. D’Artagnan’s turkeys are shipped fresh and arrive perfectly chilled, ready for roasting.
Pros⁚
- Exceptional flavor and tenderness
- Pasture-raised and free-range
- Wide variety of breeds and sizes
- Fresh delivery
Cons⁚
- Higher price point
2. Good Eggs⁚ Sustainable and Delicious
Good Eggs is a leading online marketplace for locally sourced food, including turkeys. They partner with small, sustainable farms that prioritize animal welfare and ethical practices. Their turkeys are raised without antibiotics or hormones and are available in both frozen and fresh options. Good Eggs offers convenient delivery options and excellent customer service.
Pros⁚
- Sustainable and ethically raised turkeys
- Locally sourced and fresh options
- Convenient online ordering and delivery
Cons⁚
- Availability may vary depending on location
3. Butterball⁚ The Classic Choice
Butterball is a household name in the turkey industry, known for its consistently reliable and flavorful turkeys. Their frozen turkeys are available in a wide range of sizes, making them a popular choice for families of all sizes. Butterball also offers a variety of turkey products, including stuffing, gravy, and side dishes, making it a one-stop shop for your Thanksgiving needs.
Pros⁚
- Reliable and consistent quality
- Wide range of sizes and products
- Convenient frozen delivery
Cons⁚
- May not be as flavorful as some other options
4. Mary’s Free Range⁚ Organic and Pasture-Raised
Mary’s Free Range is a leading provider of organic and pasture-raised poultry, including turkeys. Their turkeys are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs, and they are allowed to roam freely on pastures. Mary’s turkeys are available in frozen and fresh options and are shipped directly to your doorstep. They also offer a variety of turkey products, such as sausages and ground turkey.
Pros⁚
- Organic and pasture-raised
- Free-range and antibiotic-free
- Wide variety of turkey products
Cons⁚
- May be more expensive than some other options
5. Diestel Family Ranch⁚ Heritage Turkey Excellence
Diestel Family Ranch is known for its commitment to raising heritage turkeys, which are prized for their rich flavor and tender texture. Their turkeys are pasture-raised and free-range, and they are fed a natural diet without antibiotics or hormones. Diestel turkeys are available in frozen and fresh options and are shipped directly to your doorstep.
Pros⁚
- Heritage turkeys with exceptional flavor
- Pasture-raised and free-range
- Natural diet without antibiotics or hormones
Cons⁚
- Limited availability of certain breeds
6. Bell & Evans⁚ Free-Range and Humanely Raised
Bell & Evans is a leading provider of free-range and humanely raised poultry, including turkeys. Their turkeys are raised without antibiotics and are allowed to roam freely on pastures. Bell & Evans turkeys are available in frozen and fresh options and are shipped directly to your doorstep. They also offer a variety of turkey products, such as ground turkey and turkey breasts.
Pros⁚
- Free-range and humanely raised
- Antibiotic-free and hormone-free
- Wide variety of turkey products
Cons⁚
- May not be as flavorful as some other options
7. Foster Farms⁚ A Reliable Choice
Foster Farms is a well-known provider of poultry products, including turkeys. Their turkeys are available in a wide range of sizes and are known for their consistent quality. Foster Farms offers both frozen and fresh turkeys, and they are available at many grocery stores and online retailers.
Pros⁚
- Wide availability and consistent quality
- Affordable prices
Cons⁚
- May not be as flavorful as some other options
8. Whole Foods Market⁚ Organic and Locally Sourced
Whole Foods Market offers a variety of organic and locally sourced turkeys, making it a great option for those who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Their turkeys are raised without antibiotics or hormones and are available in both frozen and fresh options. Whole Foods also offers a variety of turkey products, such as turkey breasts and ground turkey.
Pros⁚
- Organic and locally sourced turkeys
- Wide variety of turkey products
Cons⁚
- Availability may vary depending on location
9. Amazon Fresh⁚ Convenient and Affordable
Amazon Fresh offers a variety of turkeys, including both frozen and fresh options, from various brands. They also offer convenient delivery options and competitive prices. Amazon Fresh is a great option for those who want a hassle-free and affordable way to order their Thanksgiving turkey.
Pros⁚
- Convenient online ordering and delivery
- Affordable prices
Cons⁚
- Limited selection of premium turkeys
Choosing the Right Turkey for Your Thanksgiving Dinner
With so many great mail-order turkey options available, choosing the right one for your Thanksgiving dinner can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider⁚
1. Size
The size of your turkey should be determined by the number of guests you’re expecting. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 1 pound of turkey per person. If you’re planning on having leftovers, you may want to order a slightly larger turkey.
2. Breed
There are many different breeds of turkeys, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some popular breeds include⁚
- Broad-Breasted White⁚ The most common breed of turkey, known for its large breast and white meat.
- Bronze⁚ A heritage breed with a rich flavor and dark meat.
- Bourbon Red⁚ Another heritage breed with a deep red color and flavorful meat.
- Tom Turkey⁚ A male turkey with a larger size and more flavorful meat.
3. Raising Practices
Consider the raising practices of the turkeys you’re considering. Some turkeys are raised in confinement, while others are raised on pasture or in free-range environments. Pasture-raised and free-range turkeys are generally considered to be more flavorful and tender, as they have access to fresh air and natural feed.
4. Freshness
Turkeys are available in both frozen and fresh options. Frozen turkeys are a convenient option, as they can be stored in the freezer for several months. Fresh turkeys are ideal if you want to roast your turkey on the day you receive it. Be sure to check the expiration date and storage instructions for both options.
5. Price
Turkeys vary in price depending on the size, breed, and raising practices. Consider your budget and choose a turkey that fits your needs and preferences.
Turkey Preparation and Cooking Tips
Once you’ve chosen your turkey, it’s time to prepare it for roasting. Here are some helpful tips⁚
- Thaw the Turkey⁚ If you’re using a frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator for several days, allowing about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. You can also thaw a turkey in cold water, but be sure to change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it remains cold.
- Brine the Turkey⁚ Brining a turkey can help to keep it moist and flavorful. To brine a turkey, soak it in a salt water solution for several hours or overnight. You can find many different brining recipes online.
- Stuff the Turkey⁚ If you’re stuffing your turkey, be sure to do so after it has been thawed and before roasting. Stuffing should be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Roast the Turkey⁚ Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and roast the turkey for about 15-20 minutes per pound. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest the Turkey⁚ After roasting, let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Turkey Recipes and Inspiration
Once you’ve roasted your turkey, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some delicious and inspiring turkey recipes⁚
- Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter⁚ This classic recipe features a simple but flavorful herb butter that complements the turkey’s natural flavors.
- Spiced Turkey with Cranberry Sauce⁚ This recipe adds a touch of spice to the turkey with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the cranberry sauce provides a sweet and tart contrast.
- Turkey Pot Pie⁚ This comforting dish uses leftover turkey to create a hearty and flavorful pot pie. You can use any leftover vegetables and gravy you have on hand.
- Turkey Tetrazzini⁚ This classic casserole is made with leftover turkey, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey and is perfect for a crowd.
Conclusion⁚ Finding the Perfect Mail Order Turkey for Thanksgiving
With so many great mail-order turkey options available, you’re sure to find the perfect bird for your Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re looking for a classic frozen turkey or a premium, pasture-raised bird, there’s a turkey out there for everyone. Remember to consider your budget, preferences, and the number of guests you’re expecting when making your choice. And most importantly, enjoy the delicious taste of a perfectly roasted turkey with your loved ones this Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving!