Butterball
Verdict: If you failed to secure a turkey before Thanksgiving and this is all that’s left, it’s a fine choice but it’s not going to bring rave reviews.
Shady Brook Farms
Verdict: This one was pumped full of brine and additives, so it had a nice flavor, but the flesh didn’t have that nice mouthfeel; therefore, it’s a decent bird but not a standout.
Harris Teeter
Verdict: A great choice and certain Thanksgiving-crowd pleaser as long as you (and your guests) don’t mind the addition of sodium phosphate.
Nature’s Rancher
Verdict: If you don’t want to spend the extra money for an organic bird, which can range from $3.99 a pound or more, this is a great choice with good flavor. Just do your own home brine before cooking to amp up the moistness.
Organic Prairie
Verdict: With no additives of any kind and being USDA certified organic, the only thing this bird fell a little short on was moisture. But that’s easy enough to remedy with a home brine, and then you get the ultimate tender turkey that also tastes like real meat and not mush.
Thanks for the summation.
It all boils down to how you prepare the turkey. Turkey meat is turkey meat and to me the best way is to cook the darn thing upside down breast facing the bottom of the pan. That way all the juices make their way to the bottom of the turkey breast and makes it nice and tender. The last hour face up and brown ...Works like a charm for me every time.
I leave the holidays up to my sister or nieces. With that being said, I've never tasted a bad turkey.....
Where can you purchase Organic Prairie? Any idea? Thx.
Jennie O has a pretty good bird
What I will be having....
JENNIE-O OVEN READY™ Boneless Turkey Breast
https://www.jennieo.com/products/oven-ready-boneless-turkey-breast
I have had frozen turkeys that had spices already added before that did not taste good at all. I like salt and pepper the best.