Organic Poultry

Organic poultry is the foundation of many a great organic gourmet meal. Family and friends gather around the table to enjoy organic turkey, chicken, duck, or goose.

For those of you who already love a great turkey or goose dinner -- but who haven't "graduated" yet to the organic side of the fence, this is your chance to find some absolutely delicious, organic poultry -- and become a convert forever.

If this is your first holiday going organic, you MUST start with an organic bird -- whatever kind is your favorite. Or try something new. Since it's organic, you can be sure it will taste delicious.

So, if you have already decided you want organic poultry as the foundation for your meal, the next question is, "How many people do you need to cook for?"

The general rule of thumb is a half-pound of meat for each person. So, a ten-pound bird would feed around 6 people (given that some will want second helpings -- and hopefully leave some leftovers for later.)

We offer here a selection of organic D'Artagnan turkeys in three weight ranges, just in time for your holiday meals -- and a selection of Branagan free-range turkeys in a larger weight range, for those REALLY big gatherings..

For a small family (4 or less people), you will want a smaller turkey in the 10-12 pound range. Get a fresh organic turkey here:

For up to 10 guests, this size turkey in the 12-14 pound range should be just the right size. Get a fresh organic turkey in this weight here:

And, for a larger gathering (or for a lot of leftovers), go for the 14-16 pound size here:

You can get bigger weights if you go to some free-range turkeys from Branagan's (starting at 16 pounds and upwards to 24 pounds.) Order your Branagan free-range turkeys here:

Is there a difference between free-range and organic turkeys? Well, yes and no. In the best cases, you will get both free-range turkey and one that has also been organically raised (without added hormones or antibiotics.) Free range poultry is generally healthier and does not need to be medicated, because its immune system is already strong.

I've tried both, and usually can't tell a great difference except for what part of the country they come from. There can be a slight taste difference in various parts of the country. But overall? Both organic and free range turkeys are absolutely the best.

Once I tried organic, I never went back. Probably never will.

For those who would like to try something a little different, go for a natural goose, raised on Amish and Mennonite farms (without antibiotics or hormones.)

Goose is wonderful and succulent, as is turkey. Be sure to follow your recipe, to get the tenderness and rich taste you want. If your cookbook does not have a recipe for goose, try one of ours (on the cookbook page.)

Or, how about guinea hen?

Quail?

Free range organic broilers?

Better order fast, though -- no telling how soon they will run out of the size of poultry you want!

Enjoy your organic gourmet holiday meal -- and don't forget the rest of the menu. Look through the other pages on our site, for the other organic gourmet items you need for a holiday meal they will remember forever.