Free-Range, Pasture-Raised Turkey
What the Label Means
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
free-range turkeys have “been allowed access to the outdoors.” But this doesn’t ensure that the turkeys can roam, which would markedly improve the birds’ quality of life — and their
taste. The conditions vary by producer. The word pasture
is an unregulated term that indicates a roomier life spent strutting in the sun and
feeding on grass and bugs.
What to Expect
Free-range birds have a more robust turkey flavor and substantial texture than their coop-raised counterparts.
They tend to be moist but not exceptionally so.Price
$1.50 to $4 a pound.
Shown
Polyface Farms, whose poultry are brought out to pasture 24/7 beginning at six weeks of age;
www.ecofriendly.com.
