Turkey, turkey, turkey. Turkey on the mind. Everything right now is all about the turkey. I spent a good chunk of time each year researching turkeys, where they are raised, how much cost and everything in between. When I was researching turkeys from Whole Foods Market I discovered a turkey ranch that really got my attention - Diestel. They offer a wide selection of options at Whole Foods stores on the west coast. I decided to check them out, see what they are all about and why you might considering purchasing one of their turkeys for your Thanksgiving feast this year.
Photo courtesy of Diestel Turkey Ranch
Here are NINE REASONS to buy a Diestel turkey for this Thanksgiving:
1. The birds are given the freedom to roam free - for fresh air and exercise. They allow the birds to be birds!
2. They are given plenty of time to grow, no rushing to market. They don't try to fatten up the turkeys so that they can sell them faster. They may take twice as long to grow, but you will taste the difference in the end product.
Photo courtesy of Diestel Turkey Ranch
4. They take the time each day to check on the birds to see if there are any health concerns.
5. They grow multiple breeds for different weights, flavors, and to produce biological diversity.
6. They were the first turkey producer to score a Step 5+ on the Global Animal Parternship. These are the ratings you see on meat that you buy at Whole Foods Market.
7. Diestel was on the forefront of organic turkey. Tim Diestel was actually at national hearings that determine the organic standards for poultry.
Photo courtesy of Diestel Turkey Ranch
9. Once the turkeys are slaughtered, they use an old-fashion ice-chilling method that is meant to keep the birds nice and cold while limiting added water weight. Most mass produced turkeys are dumped into batches of cold water with chlorine added. Diestel using just H2O.
I adore companies who take the time to do things right, instead of rushing and trying to pinch every penny in the name of profit over quality. It really pays off for the company, the consumer, the animals, and the land. In a day and age where our country is full of extra large, profit focused companies it is a breath of fresh air (and the turkeys get to breathe that air too) to encounter a company like Diestel.
Cost of Diestel
Photo courtesy of Diestel Turkey Ranch
To give you an idea of how much a Diestel turkey costs, here are the prices of their turkeys from a Whole Foods Market store in San Francisco.
Heirloom Turkeys $4.99/lb
Organic Turkeys $3.99/lb
Pastured Raised Turkey $5.99/lb
Non-GMO Project Verified Turkey $3.49/lb
Mediterranean Brined Turkey $4.99/lb
Original Brined Turkey $4.99/lb
Lemon Herb Brined Turkey $4.99/lb
Petite Turkeys $2.99/lb
Original Diestel Turkeys $2.99/lb
Photo courtesy of Diestel Turkey Ranch
To find where else you might purchase Diestel's product, visit their website, enter into your address or zipcode. Their products are not available in every part of the country, unfortunately where I live their products aren't available.
If my words weren't enough to convince you to consider buying a Diestel turkey this Thanksgiving, check out this video produced by Whole Foods Market.
Jeff Boldt
Eric,
You have a lot of turkeys and reviews what will the Samuelson family have on their table this year?
I buy trader Joes a lot.
Eric Samuelson
I would love to be able to try some of the turkeys I have talked about, however the cheap frozen Meijer turkey is the only option that will fit into the budget this month.
Jeff Boldt
Eric,
I am in the same boat, my Thanksgiving dinner will consist of a butterball from Costco for 1.09.
While I was at Costco look at what I came upon.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jboldt73/sets/72157648896670818/
Jeff
So I was at costco yesterday and they were giving $20 off a Deistel turkey. I got a 16 lbser for about $34. Sell buy date is today so I threw it in the freezer right away
Eric Samuelson
Awesome. What a nice find. Let me know when you cook it what you think.
Katherine Sagehorn
Hi this is awesome you guys! I was wondering where I might find the best price on a small 10 lb turkey of yours...I was looking at Costco...my zip code is 97324 or 97333 we are close to Corvallis and Albany Oregon...thanks so much! if you could guide me to the best place!
Caite aka Katherine
David Ogketree
I know this post is old so I thought I would post that I just paid $3.99 a pound for a Diestel turkey at Whole Foods.
Eric Samuelson
David, thanks for sharing.