What could be crazier than spending $53 on a twenty pound organic turkey, you might ask, especially when King Sooper’s is offering Thanksgiving turkeys for $6.I got one: how about feeding your children cloned, genetically altered, growth hormone saturated, severely abused, discount turkey meat? Does that seem any less crazy?
Maybe it seems crazy to spend almost ten times as much money on a turkey that has not been subjected to dark, packed, cages but instead has spent quality time basking in the open air, allowed to freely peck and scratch. Turkeys that haven’t wallowed in their own feces, unable to walk very far without taking breaks because of their genetically altered enormous breast that can’t be held up by weak bones, tendons, and muscles that can’t keep up with the growth rate.
Perhaps we have been duped into paying extra for a turkey that has not been cloned in a laboratory or been made to eat the ground up remains of other turkeys that succumbed to harsh squalor of the “turkey house.”
I am not really sure which is crazier. And I really don’t care all that much.
We chose a turkey that was organically raised right here in Northern Colorado, a turkey that was allowed access to the outside world where it was able to find a better source of protein (bugs) than the remains of those that died around them. Yes, turkey farmers collect all of the young turkeys that couldn’t suffer the repulsive conditions and actually grind them up to feed them to the other turkeys for protein, a concept that was made illegal for cattle ranchers after studies showed that creating cannibal cows propagated the spread of Mad Cow Disease.
Our turkey was properly allowed to mature at a natural rate over three plus years as dictated by the USDA guidelines for organic turkeys, unlike the King Soopers turkey which was cloned, “genetically modified”, and administered growth hormones to allow it to be harvested after just one year.
Our $53 turkey was fed only organic feed (free of turkey remains) and was allowed to eat insects for protein while the $6 turkey went from test-tube to a dark crowded caged environment to being subjected to unspeakable cruelty at the hands of those who responsible for their care. Then after being injected and coated with chemical preservatives, the $6 is frozen and shipped from a distant processing plant right to you and your family’s table.
If you are not convinced and you have a strong stomach, check out this link to the PETA website. Be warned, it’s much more disturbing to see the abuse than it is talk about it, this site is graphic.
The difference for us is that we are committed to idea that we shall not sacrifice the health and well being of our children just to save money. We will not be exposing them to hormones, cloned and altered genetics or any types of antibiotics. No sulfites, no preservatives. Our boy's health and our own health are our biggest priority.
If all that means is spending some extra money, we are more than happy.
If you decide to go organic, free range, and preferably but very difficult to find - soy free, here are some good guidlines:
How Much to Buy?
The general rule of thumb is to order one pound per person — this ensures plenty of leftovers for turkey sandwiches, pot pie, soups and stews.
FREE RANGE
What it means: Producers must demonstrate to the USDA that their turkeys, chickens, etc. have been allowed sufficient access to the outside.
Why it's better: Exercise enhances the development of the muscular flesh, resulting in a more tender and tasty bird. Turkeys treated humanely are happier, too.
FRESH
What it means: To be sold as "fresh" turkeys must be stored at temperature no lower than 26 degrees F.
Why it's better: Fresh turkeys are more tender and juicy with richer flavor and firmer texture unlike their frozen counterparts.
USDA NATURAL
What it means: Turkeys that are minimally processed and contain no artificial flavors, colors, chemical preservatives or any other artificial or synthetic ingredients.
Why it's better: Natural turkeys are naturally tender and juicy and do not need to be injected with water or stock, which often results in a mushy texture and off flavor.
NO ANTIBIOTICS OR HORMONES
What it means: Raised without antibiotics or added hormones
Why it's better: Natural turkeys are raised the old-fashioned way, allowing rich flavor and firm, tender meat to develop. This slow-growing method eliminates the need for antibiotics or hormones.
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