October 01, 2018 0 Comments
Joyce Farms' Heritage Black Turkey is an old breed, with a rich legacy descended from the traditional Spanish Black Turkey. It’s fitting, then, to serve our Heritage Black Turkey to your family and friends during the holiday season because the Spanish Black Turkey is believed to be what the Pilgrims feasted on at the first Thanksgiving, and it’s thought to be one of the first breeds developed from Native American stocks.
But it’s not just continuing the legacy that began with the Pilgrims that will make your holiday meal special. The Heritage Black Turkey is renowned for its exceptional flavor, far surpassing the bland flavor of today’s factory-bred turkeys. And we raise our turkeys in the old-world tradition, slowly, over time, with an all-natural diet to make them healthier, too.
All of our poultry is raised to our “Naked” standards. This means no antibiotics, no artificial ingredients, no hormones or steroids, and no animal by-products. Each turkey is allowed to mature slowly and naturally, roaming free on our small family-run farms in the Southeast.
After processing them by hand, each of our Heritage Black Turkeys is air chilled to preserve its flavor, tenderness and perfect texture. It arrives via UPS to your door in a reusable, Styrofoam cooler with dry ice or reusable gel packs.
The dry ice can be evaporated after delivery. It is possible that your turkey will begin to defrost during shipment. However, as long as the turkey remains partially frozen, you can refreeze it safely in your freezer.
When your Heritage Black Turkey arrives, you may notice blue or black spots on the skin. Unlike a commercially bred white turkey, our turkey is dark-plumed. When processed, the pigment from the feathers can extrude into the skin.
This does not affect the turkey’s flavor, only it’s appearance, and it’s a trait of an old-world heritage breed.
Once you are ready to begin preparing your Heritage Black Turkey, remember it can take several days, in the refrigerator, to fully defrost it. Because of the heritage genetics of our turkeys and the methods used to raise them, they are full of natural flavor and only require a little olive oil and salt and pepper for an outstanding eating experience. However, if you prefer to follow a recipe, we recommend this one (brining is optional): The Perfect Heritage Black Turkey Recipe
Visit our web store to order your Heritage Black Turkey!
July 26, 2024 0 Comments
At Joyce Farms, our commitment to quality and flavor is evident in our premium meats, especially our Naked and Heritage lines. These two product lines represent our dedication to sustainable farming practices and exceptional taste. While Naked products highlight pure, additive-free excellence, our Heritage products celebrate traditional farming methods and superior, complex flavors. Whether you prefer the clean, natural taste of our hand-cut Naked products or the rich, deep flavors of our pasture-raised Heritage meats, Joyce Farms offers something for every discerning palate.
July 25, 2024 0 Comments
Discover why heritage meat and poultry are making a comeback in kitchens and restaurants worldwide. From the rich, robust flavors to the sustainable farming practices, learn about the unique benefits these traditional breeds bring to your table.
July 25, 2024 0 Comments
Ever find yourself scrambling to thaw dinner at the last minute? At Joyce Farms, we know the importance of food safety and want to help you avoid common pitfalls. In this blog post, we share expert tips on the safest methods for thawing and handling meat and poultry. Learn how to keep your meals delicious and safe by following our easy, step-by-step guidelines. Click through to read more!