TRADITIONAL TURKEY
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it means a big turkey season in the industry. And for most people celebrating Thanksgiving is all about the turkey and is inconceivable to have dinner without the bird. So, you go to the store, choose the size of the turkey appropriate for your needs, and then proceed with the all-so-important preparation. However, have you ever stop to think what it takes to put that bird on your table?
According to Solvie Karlstrom from the National Geographic, commercially farmed turkeys are fed in order to grow quickly (up to 25 pounds) and gain the bulk of the weight in just four months. This type of farming leads to all kinds of health problems in the birds including, but not limited to, skeletal and muscular problems, leg disorders and various other health issues preventing turkeys from reproducing naturally.
Heritage turkeys, on the other hand, are allowed to roam and fly freely, as well as breed naturally, which makes up for a healthy bird. And they are given 28 weeks to reach full growth and the appropriate weight. Furthermore, purchasing heritage turkeys supports small farms that are committed to preserving these incredible birds.
Even though the heritage turkeys cost more than the traditional industrially raised ones, buying them will not only benefit the small family farmers, it will also benefit you since the meant from such birds is healthier and tastier. For more information on where to find heritage turkeys in your area go to localharvest.org.
So, happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Comments
Got something to say?