How to shop for a turkey?

Shop for a turkey by calculating 1 to 1.5 pounds per person (to allow for leftovers), deciding between a fresh or frozen bird, and checking that it fits your oven. Buy two weeks in advance for better selection. Consider a turkey crown for easier carving or a whole bird for maximum leftovers and gravy options.

What to look for when buying a turkey?

Look over all the 15-pounders and select the plumpest. Some 15-pounders will be slim; some will be fat. Some turkeys are flat-chested, and some are kind of bony. Choose the most rounded and plump turkey. It's that easy. If a bird is skinny, it could mean it wasn't a very healthy bird and might be tough and dry.

Which supermarket has the best turkey?

The best turkey depends on your priorities: for rich flavor and texture, look for Bronze or heritage breeds, pasture-raised, air-chilled, and additive-free birds from stores like Trader Joe's or local markets. For convenience and consistent quality, Butterball offers reliably moist, hormone-free turkeys, while Mary's Free-Range is a popular choice for balanced flavor. For budget, Walmart/Aldi deals or store brands (like Kroger's Honeysuckle White) offer good value, with Sam's Club's smoked turkey being a fan favorite for flavor. 

How do you figure what size turkey to buy?

Did you know you should figure on 1 to 1.5 POUNDS of bird per guest?? To buy the right size turkey for your party, simply tally up the turkey-eating guests. Add a few pounds on for bones and you've got your turkey weight. For example, 8 people will require a 12 to 14-pound turkey.

What is the rule of thumb for buying a turkey?

The best rule of thumb is to plan for one pound of turkey per person—and we're talking the whole, uncooked turkey. So, for 12 people, a 12-pound bird. That'll give you plenty for the table as well as some leftovers, which are especially nice on Thanksgiving. Turkeys can range in size anywhere from 8 to 24 pounds.

Expert's Guide to Shopping for Turkey

Is it better to buy fresh or frozen turkey?

Myth: Fresh turkey is always better than frozen

Fact: Both are good choices, and it depends on your timing. Buy a frozen turkey if you are shopping weeks in advance, and allow enough days to thaw it safely. Choose a fresh turkey only if you are shopping one to two days before cooking.

Is a 6 kg turkey enough for 10 people?

A 6kg turkey is tight but generally enough for 10 people, especially with generous sides, but it might not leave much for leftovers; for heartier portions or ample leftovers, a slightly larger bird (6-7kg) or supplementing with another protein is recommended. Most guides suggest 450g-600g (about 1-1.3 lbs) raw weight per person, so 6kg provides around 10-13 servings, depending on appetite and if you want leftovers.
 

How many people will a 20 lb turkey feed?

1.5 is per person before you cook and take it off the bone. A 20lb turkey can comfortably feed 12-13 people.

How far in advance can I buy a fresh turkey?

Select fresh: The “fresh” label means the turkey has never been chilled below 26 F. Fresh turkeys should not be purchased until one or two days before you cook it, unless the manufacturer's tag has a “Best by” or “Use by” date that indicates the turkey will be okay on the date you plan to cook it.

Is it better to buy one large turkey or two smaller ones?

We recommend planning for 1¼ pounds of turkey per person. Large groups may be easier to feed with two smaller birds rather than one large turkey. Our quick chart and tips help you buy, cook, and serve the right amount.

What company makes the best turkey?

Top 10 turkey companies in the United States

1. Butterball. ...
2. Jennie-O Turkey Store. ...
3. Cargill Protein. ...
4. Farbest Foods. ...
5. Tyson Foods. ...
6. Kraft Heinz. ...
7. Perdue Foods. ...
8. Cooper Farms.

How many days before Christmas can I buy a fresh turkey?

Buy a fresh turkey one to two days before the day you plan to cook. If there is a 'best-by' or 'use by' date on the manufacturer's label, then you can keep fresh poultry, unopened, in the refrigerator until that date.

Where do M&S get their turkeys from?

M&S turkeys primarily come from British farms, specifically M&S Select Farms in regions like East Anglia and Wales, with some heritage breeds like the Pembrokeshire Blue Turkey reared in Pembrokeshire, Wales, on farms like Capestone. These birds are often slow-grown, free-range, and fed corn-rich diets for better flavour, sourced from trusted farms that meet high welfare standards.
 

What do you need to know before going to turkey?

Turkey

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
• Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.

What is the average price for a 16 pound turkey?

Three years of declines don't fully erase dramatic increases that led to a record-high cost of $64.05 in 2022. The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – dramatically decreased in price, which helped bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound frozen turkey is $21.50.

Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for 5 days?

Fridge Storage Times: Raw turkey lasts 1–2 days, cold cuts up to 5 days, and cooked turkey leftovers 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Freezer Storage Times: Raw turkey pieces can be frozen for up to 9 months, whole raw turkeys for up to 1 year, and cooked turkey for 4–6 months.

How long can you leave a fresh turkey out overnight?

False. Here's the truth: A turkey left at room temperature for more than 2 hours enters the “danger zone” (40 degrees F to 140 degrees F) where bacteria proliferate, even if the center of the bird remains frozen.

How to pick up a turkey?

“I grab them by the head when they're still flopping,” says Blissett. “But I usually tote them out by the feet, or use a turkey tote around the head and feet.”

What size turkey for 10 adults and 2 children?

Quick Answer: Turkey Portions at a Glance

Hearty eaters or minimal sides: Plan 1.5 pounds per person. Light appetites or many sides: Plan 1 pound per person. Kids under 10: Plan 0.5 to 0.75 pound per child.

What size of turkey for 8 adults?

A small turkey (3-4.5kg) will feed 6-8 people. A medium turkey (4-5kg) will feed 8-10 people. A large turkey (6-6.5kg) will feed 12-15 people.

How much meat does a 20 lb turkey yield?

“So, for 10 people you should prepare a 20-pound turkey. Home cooks should expect to yield 40 percent of a cooked bird, and between dark meat and white meat preferences, the yield will shrink even further,” DiSpirito says.

How do I keep my turkey moist while cooking?

To keep turkey moist, brine (wet or dry), add fat (butter under the skin or mayo), use a cheesecloth soaked in butter, add liquid to the roasting pan, loosely tent with foil, and most importantly, don't overcook by pulling it out around 150-155°F and letting it rest for 30-45 minutes to reach 165°F as the juices redistribute. 

Is it better to cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

Yes, you should cover a turkey with foil for most of the cooking time to keep it moist, but remove the foil for the last 30-60 minutes of roasting to allow the skin to brown and get crispy. Covering it prevents the breast from drying out before the legs are cooked, while uncovering it at the end ensures that classic golden, crispy skin.
 

Is a 9kg turkey big?

The largest sized turkeys weigh from 9kg upwards. Our extra large turkeys weigh between 9 and 10kg and will feed 20+ people. Many people choose to have a turkey crown rather than a whole bird.