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!
August 30, 2024 0 Comments
As consumers become more conscious about the origins of their food, labels on meat and poultry offer reassurance that our choices align with our values. However, new USDA guidelines aimed at strengthening these claims bring a new challenge: balancing trust in these labels with the rising costs of maintaining them, especially for small producers. Explore how these changes could impact the food you choose and the diversity of options available.
August 26, 2024 0 Comments
A look back at our 2021 #CelebrateMeat initiative, meant to challenge the growing calls to cancel meat. By collaborating with chefs, experts, and thought leaders, we showcased how responsibly raised meat is not just good for the planet but also worth celebrating. Reflect on our journey and explore the powerful voices that made this campaign a success.
August 22, 2024 0 Comments
Discover the benefits of all-natural dog treats from Farm Hounds, made using premium meat and poultry from Joyce Farms. With high-quality, nutrient-dense options like beef jerky and turkey trainers, these treats support your dog's health while offering a delicious, wholesome snack. Perfect for pet parents who want the best for their furry friends.