The biggest surprise in our taste test of turkeys wasn’t Butterball, the winner—who would have guessed?—but rather how poorly the natural and organic birds performed in comparison to the rest of the frozen flock.
This is probably because those supermarket turkeys come enhanced with salt, chicken or turkey stock and other flavorings. In essence, they undergo brining, as recommended by cookbooks and television programs; the natural varieties, however, are lower in fat content than their Thanksgiving-specific bred counterparts.
“If you’re looking for a straightforward, minimally prepared turkey, or if this is your first Thanksgiving and you want to wow your in-laws, go with the safe bet (the prebrined bird),” advises Jorge de la Torre, dean of Johnson & Johnson’s culinary education department.
However, the Diestel, or a free-range local variety, is the bird for you if you’re up for the challenge and want to brine it yourself, or if you value traditional, unadulterated flavor. (For more info on heritage turkeys, go to marczykfinefoods. com and click on “Calendar” for an excellent explanation. ).
“These (the Diestel and the Heidi’s Hens organic) would do fine if you’re looking for a turkey that is organic or if you want to add a special flavor — citrus or maple, or special spices,” says de la Torre.
While not organic, the Diestels are raised on a vegetarian diet with no added growth stimulants or antibiotics. Their flavor is akin to that of turkey, so you can flavor them with any kind of brine, rub, or glaze.
But don’t be misled by the labels that say turkeys are hormone-free. The government has not approved hormones or growth stimulants for use in poultry. They have been bred to grow fast and form the huge breasts with the white meat Americans prefer.
The Food and Drug Administration, on the other hand, permits the use of antibiotics, but only after the animal has undergone a withdrawal period during which any antibiotic residue above permitted levels must be removed before the animal is killed.
All you really need for a prebasted, prebrined turkey is time, a seasoned rub (garlic, herbs, or anything else you like), and a sturdy roasting pan (avoid using the thin foil ones unless you want your masterpiece to fall to the ground).
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, a delicious turkey as the centerpiece of the feast. But when it comes to choosing the right bird, the age-old debate rages on: Butterball or Jennie-O?
Both brands are household names, boasting loyal fans and fierce advocates But which one reigns supreme? To settle this culinary conundrum, let’s delve into the heart of the matter and compare these turkeys head-to-head
Taste and Flavor:
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Butterball: Renowned for its classic, buttery flavor, Butterball turkeys are a safe bet for those who prefer a traditional taste. The rich, savory notes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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Jennie-O: Jennie-O turkeys offer a slightly milder flavor profile, making them a good choice for those who prefer a less intense taste. They also tend to be slightly juicier than Butterball turkeys.
Price:
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Butterball: Generally, Butterball turkeys are priced slightly higher than Jennie-O turkeys. However, prices can vary depending on the size and location of the store.
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Jennie-O: Jennie-O turkeys are typically more budget-friendly, making them a good option for those who are looking for a value-conscious choice.
Availability:
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Butterball: Butterball turkeys are widely available in most grocery stores nationwide.
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Jennie-O: Jennie-O turkeys are also readily available in most major grocery stores.
Cooking Considerations:
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Butterball: Butterball turkeys come in a variety of pre-seasoned options, making them a convenient choice for busy cooks. However, some cooks prefer to season their turkeys themselves.
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Jennie-O: Jennie-O turkeys are typically unseasoned, giving cooks more control over the flavor profile.
Customer Reviews:
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Butterball: Butterball turkeys generally receive positive reviews, with customers praising their classic flavor and consistent quality.
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Jennie-O: Jennie-O turkeys also receive positive reviews, with customers appreciating their juiciness and affordability.
The Verdict:
Ultimately, the best turkey for your Thanksgiving feast depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a classic, flavorful turkey, Butterball is a solid choice. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer a milder flavor, Jennie-O is a great option.
Additional Factors to Consider:
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Size: Choose a turkey that is large enough to feed all of your guests. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person.
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Cooking Method: Consider how you plan to cook the turkey. Some turkeys are better suited for roasting, while others are better for frying or smoking.
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Personal Preferences: Do you prefer a white or dark meat turkey? Some brands offer a variety of options to choose from.
Whether you choose Butterball or Jennie-O, remember that the most important ingredient in your Thanksgiving turkey is love. With a little care and attention, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that will be enjoyed by all.
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Kitchen Scrapbook blog for more Thanksgiving recipes and tips!
How To Choose a Turkey – Butterball Canada
FAQ
Is there a difference between Jennie-O and Butterball turkeys?
What makes Butterball turkey different?
Is a Jennie-O turkey good?
Is a Butterball turkey worth the extra money?
Is Butterball the same as Jennie-O?
In addition to turkeys, Butterball provides a range of turkey products, which comes pretty much equal to Jennie-O’s selection, but the best thing is both brands complement each other in this regard. While Jennie-O offers turkey sausages, Butterball offers turkey bacon and turkey deli meats.
Is Butterball Turkey better than Jennie-O?
Butterball turkeys can range from 10 to 32 pounds. On the other hand, Jennie-O typically ranges from 10 to 25 pounds. Just because we feel that Butterball is the best turkey doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the best option for you. Both Butterball and Jennie-O turkeys have respective pros and cons.
Are Butterball & Jennie-O turkeys humane?
Therefore, you can trust that their products come from humanely treated animals. While Butterball also is American Humane Certified, Jennie-O offers a turkey tracker, allowing you to check out the farms that raised your turkey. Overall, there are plenty of benefits and downsides to consider for these two turkey brands.
Are Jennie-O & Butterball a good brand?
Both brands produce high-quality meat, with the Jennie-O milder and Butterball more flavorful. Both brands have their turkey farms and offer excellent products. Though both brands have excellent quality turkey products, you should know a thing or two about what they offer.