We can all agree that turkey is the main star of any Thanksgiving meal. Because of this, every host wants to have the best-tasting bird on their table and make sure it is one their guests will talk about until the next Thanksgiving.
To achieve this, home chefs put a lot of effort into braising, basting, securing perfect roasting conditions, and getting the stuffing right. But that should come only after the most important step. If you want to have the best results, you first need to pay a lot of attention when picking out the Thanksgiving turkey you want to prepare. These tips will help you do so.
Buy Organic or Free-Range Turkey
Organic and free-range turkeys might be more expensive, but there is a huge taste difference compared to ones that have been raised on large poultry farms. You can either look for one at farmers’ markets or buy frozen variety in grocery chains like Whole Foods.
Get the Right Size
Make sure to get a turkey that will feed your party but also end in some leftovers. You should usually plan two pounds per adult and one pound per child. Also, if you are hosting a large dinner, consider getting two smaller turkeys instead of one big one for best results.
Pay Attention to the Shape
You want a well-rounded bird, particularly in the breast area. This will ensure that the turkey meat ends up juicier. Avoid turkeys that have flat areas, as they will have dry meat and might have been refrozen.
