What is the best type of Turkey to buy for Thanksgiving?

Question

is there a certain brand you prefer over others? or a certain type, like a young bird?

Answer 1

Depends on how many people are eating a small group get a young bird otherwise get the bird that fits your group. As for brand you cant go wrong with Butterball. I personally want to try a Turducken though.

Answer 2

I definitely prefer a fresh turkey over a frozen one. And I usually go with a Butterball, just because they are supposed to be the best. I have heard that free-range turkeys are better though, both food-wise and morally.

If you're cooking the turkey yourself, I would HIGHLY recommend looking for some information on brining the turkey first. This makes it soooooo much juicier and even more delicious (if you're willing to put in the effort, of course!).

Answer 3

Best Turkey To Buy

Answer 4

Depending on how many people you are serving is what kind of turkey you need one to four people would probably be a young or small bird, five to 7 could be a hen, and more you definately need a bigger turkey, bake breast side down for the first few hours in butter potatoes, onions, and salt then pepper, then turn turkey over bake rest of time use bake bag to keep moist. Any turkey will do but my grandma uses the lowest price and it tastes great

Answer 5

ALWAYS go fresh (not frozen), if you have a choice. Personally, I avoid Butterballs. They have some additive that makes them retain juice that I really don't care for. Since I am partial to brining turkeys, it's very important to get a turkey without the additives (which ruin the turkey when brined). Kosher turkeys are excellent too (but not good for brining either).

Answer 6

I use a Natural Fresh HEN Turkey with no additives........

TURKEY TYPOLOGY:
The National Turkey Federation says "there is no quality difference between a fresh and frozen turkey."
The flavor of a bird is determined by several additional factors, which may actually be more important than whether your turkey is fresh or frozen. Size is key — smaller birds tend to be more tender; if you have a lot of guests coming, think about cooking two small turkeys instead of one large one. Gender plays a role too — female birds, known as hens, tend to be slaughtered younger (i.e., smaller); larger turkeys are typically males, known as toms or stags.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/et_hd_thanksgiving/article/0,,FOOD_9845_5027807,00.html

Answer 7

butterball brand,, it seems to be the most moist.. Or if you are lucky to have some place in your area that will take any turkey and smoke it for you... There used to be a little old man in our town that you could contract a week in advance to smoke any holiday meat.. MMMM! it sure was good.. and tender and moist.. not dry like some turkeys are.. I cant stand dry turkey. I gag if I dont have enough gravy to cover it.. But Butterball brand seems to be the best for that.

Answer 8

I usually cook a large turkey, around 20 pounds, and although there are other good brands, I've had the best luck and taste with a "Butterball" brand.

Answer 9

I love Honeysuckle White. And I usually just get a breast, since there are only 4 adults and 3 kids who eat at my house, and no one likes dark meat. However, if I get a whole turkey, I get a hen. I find they aren't as dry.

Answer 10

I think this year, I am going to try one of those Jenny-O turkeys. The commercials say that it can go from frozen to oven. That would be great because I hate having to find room to store it in the freezer and then find room for it in the refrigerator.