Is It Better to Buy Turkey Frozen or Fresh?
As Christmas and Thanksgiving approach, the time to choose the perfect turkey to serve to your friends and family arrives. After deciding between a bronze turkey or a white turkey, the debate continues as to which is better: fresh or frozen. It’s probably one of the most important decisions you’re going to make this festive period, and there are many more options available than there were years ago. To help you decide between fresh and frozen turkey, we’ve compared different factors and listed the complete pros and cons for each. Which will you choose?
Which Is the Most Expensive?
Fresh turkeys are usually more expensive as they tend to be much better quality than the ones you find in supermarkets as they are harvested and transported in a short time frame to ensure you get the freshest meat. Fresh turkeys are more likely to be raised in family-run farms just like John Howes. Our farm allows our turkeys to roam free in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat and fed natural cereal-based diets instead of growth enhancers. All of this requires dedicated time and planning to ensure the turkeys are hatched and cared for right up until the moment they are ready for harvest.
Which Has the Tastiest Meat?
Fresh turkeys tend to hold their moisture better than frozen turkeys which means you will get the juiciest meat and the most flavour after it’s cooked. Fresh turkeys from free-range farms taste incredible due to their natural diet and truly free-range living conditions. Although frozen turkey can still produce tasty meat, nothing beats the tenderness and flavour of a fresh turkey.
Which Has the Best Texture?
When it comes to the texture of your turkey, fresh is known to have a noticeably smoother texture and both the white and the dark meat are usually moister. Frozen turkey poses the risk of having a rougher texture and tends to shred apart when cut. However, it’s also worth noting that how your turkey is prepped and cooked could also play a part in the texture of the meat. By cooking your turkey breast-side down, you allow the moisture to flow towards the breast meat which enhances the texture.
Which Is Easier to Prepare?
Although frozen turkeys can be stored for weeks before Christmas which saves on the stress and rush of sourcing a fresh bird, fresh turkeys come ready to cook without the need of thawing beforehand. Ensuring your frozen turkey is thoroughly thawed before cooking is important to ensure high-quality meat and that the bird is cooked through properly before serving.
Pros & Cons
Frozen Turkey: Pros
- They are cheaper than fresh
- You can buy early and store up until Christmas
- You can find it at most supermarkets
Fresh Turkey: Pros
- Fresh turkeys are much tastier
- There is no need to thaw
- It’s easier to find organic or free-range turkeys
- You can season and cook immediately
- You have more options
Frozen Turkey: Cons
- It takes more time to prep due to thawing
- Many contain additional salt or ingredients to preserve
Fresh Turkey Cons
- They’re more expensive
- They are limited on where you can buy
Takeaway
If you’re looking for convenience this Christmas, frozen is your best bet. You still get the lovely turkey taste without the expense. However, for a Christmas or thanksgiving dinner that is truly special, choosing a fresh, farm-raised bird can make a long-lasting impression with its mouth-watering flavour and juicy texture. At John Howe Turkeys, we can deliver a special high-quality turkey direct to your door just a few days before Christmas or Thanksgiving so that you don’t have to worry about getting out to the supermarket. Shop our range of pre-order bronze and white turkeys now.