Heritage Turkeys: Taste & Longevity Beyond the Grocery Store

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on heritage turkeys, comparing their taste and longevity to that of wild turkeys and conventional grocery store turkeys. Participants share personal experiences, culinary observations, and cultural references related to turkey consumption, particularly around Thanksgiving.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that heritage turkeys are worth the higher price due to their flavor and the fact that they can live significantly longer than typical grocery store turkeys.
  • Others note the differences in taste and texture between heritage and wild turkeys, with heritage birds described as having a crackling skin and being more flavorful, while wild turkeys are characterized as stringy.
  • One participant humorously mentions the challenges of cleaning wild turkeys, suggesting that their preparation can lead to a less recognizable bird.
  • There is a playful exchange about the age of the birds, with some expressing a preference for younger, tender birds over older ones.
  • References to a recent turkey pardon by Obama are made, with participants sharing their reactions and humorous takes on the event.
  • One participant expresses a strong negative opinion about PETA, contrasting it with their enjoyment of turkey.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the differences in taste and texture between heritage and wild turkeys, but there is no consensus on the desirability of older birds versus younger ones. The discussion includes both humorous and serious tones, reflecting varied opinions on turkey consumption and related cultural practices.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal preferences and experiences, which may not apply universally. The discussion includes humor and cultural references that may influence participants' views.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in culinary discussions, turkey preparation, and cultural practices surrounding Thanksgiving may find this thread engaging.

gravenewworld
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Good brief article:

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2009/11/post_29.htmlI've been eating heritage birds for the past 2 years. They are expensive ($120 for a 12-14 lbs bird) but are oooooooohhhhhhh so worth it. These turkeys were actually some of the most critically endangered animals in the US 5 years ago. Ironic how the only way to save them is to eat them. The typical turkeys you can get at a grocery store can only live for about 1 year if they are not slaughtered. These heritage birds can live for over 15 years.
 
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We still have plenty of wild turkeys around here that people hunt.
 
Heritage turkeys and wild turkeys are birds of a different feather. They really taste very different from each other. The heritage bird I had last year, was delicious, with a crackling skin much like duck. Wild birds are stringy, tho moist. I do such a bad job cleaning them, that they hardly resemble a bird at all by the time I'm done.
 
gravenewworld said:
These heritage birds can live for over 15 years.
Unless you kill them.
 
hypatia said:
Heritage turkeys and wild turkeys are birds of a different feather. They really taste very different from each other. The heritage bird I had last year, was delicious, with a crackling skin much like duck. Wild birds are stringy, tho moist. I do such a bad job cleaning them, that they hardly resemble a bird at all by the time I'm done.

Just sayin' they don't get much more "heritage" than the wild ancestor. :wink:

I agree with Evo that I don't want to eat a 15 year old bird; give me a nice, young tender one!

Did anyone hear Obama's speech when he pardoned the turkey today? :smile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gQy0MPWnGY It was hilarious!
 
Moonbear said:
Did anyone hear Obama's speech when he pardoned the turkey today?

I heard the "Cuz I was going to eat this sucker" line. lol


Here's a PETA Thanksgiving commercial that Grave might like.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
PETA can go where the sun don't shine.


Mmmmmmmmmm, TURKEY!
 
Moonbear said:
Just sayin' they don't get much more "heritage" than the wild ancestor. :wink:

I agree with Evo that I don't want to eat a 15 year old bird; give me a nice, young tender one!

Did anyone hear Obama's speech when he pardoned the turkey today? :smile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gQy0MPWnGY It was hilarious!

45 Pounds! My god. We could feed all the starving children in China with that sucker.

That was a good video. You could tell the prez not had lunch yet. I swear he was drooling over that bird, like seeing turkey sandwich precursor or something

...

?

...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. :smile:
 

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