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Turkey FAQ'sUpdated a month ago

50 Frequently Asked Questions
About Turkeys & Thanksgiving Prep

1. What makes Wanted Raw Foods turkeys different?

Our White Broad-Breasted turkeys are raised on open Texas pasture, moved frequently, and fed a clean, natural diet with no corn or soy—no antibiotics, no hormones, and no confinement barns.

2. Are your turkeys pasture-raised?

Yes. Our birds live outdoors with constant sunshine, fresh air, and space to move the way turkeys were designed to.

3. Do your turkeys contain any additives, injections, or solutions?

No. They are 100% natural with zero added water, brine, or preservatives.

4. Are Wanted Raw Foods turkeys organic?

They are not certified organic, but they are raised using regenerative, clean, pasture-based practices without chemicals, GMOs, or antibiotics. They are fed a non-GMO grain with no corn or soy.

5. How big are your turkeys?

We have weight ranges between 8 and 24 lbs.

6. How many people does one turkey feed?

We generally figure 1 lb of carcass weight per person, 1.5 lbs per person if you'd like a good bit of leftovers.

7. Will the turkey be frozen or fresh?

All turkeys are shipped flash-frozen to lock in freshness and guarantee safe arrival. Some thawing is expected during transit.

8. How quickly will my turkey ship?

Orders placed by the cutoff date ship on the scheduled Monday to ensure delivery by Thanksgiving.

9. Do you ship nationwide?

Yes, we ship anywhere in the continental United States.

10. How is the turkey packaged for shipping?

Your turkey ships in an insulated cold-chain box with ice packs to keep it cold as it starts to thaw during transit.

11. How long does a frozen turkey take to thaw?

Plan for 24 hours of fridge thaw time per 4–5 pounds of turkey.

12. What's the safest way to thaw my turkey?

In the refrigerator. Place it in a pan to catch drips and allow several days. If you need to thaw your turkey faster you can do so by placing it in a large container (like a cooler) with COLD water. Change the water every few hours to keep the bird safe and to thaw faster.

13. Can I thaw a turkey in cold water?

Yes—keep it in original packaging, submerge in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes.

14. How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge before cooking?

Up to 7 days safely.

15. Should I brine my turkey?

A dry brine will help dry out the skin and give you a beautiful crispy display piece for your table. We DO NOT recommend wet brining your turkey. These birds should be incredibly flavorful and the only reasons for wet brining are to add flavor or help keep it from drying out during the cook. No need to add flavor and we can help if you're new to cooking!

16. Do I need to wash my turkey before cooking?

No. Washing can spread bacteria. Pat dry with paper towels instead.

17. Should I cook the turkey stuffed or unstuffed?

For safety and even cooking, we recommend unstuffed and cooking stuffing separately.

18. What temperature should I cook my turkey to?

The thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

19. What oven temperature should I use?

Most recipes call for 325°F to 350°F for even cooking.

20. How long does a turkey take to cook?

Approx. 13–15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird. We highly recommend using a probe thermometer and cook your turkey to the desired temperature rather than rely on time as every oven is different.

21. Do your turkeys contain giblets?

Yes, giblets are typically included in a small package inside the cavity.

22. What should I do with the giblets?

They're perfect for gravy, stuffing, broth, or pet treats.

23. Do I need to tie the legs together?

Trussing helps the turkey cook evenly and improves presentation.

24. Should I baste the turkey?

You can, but it's optional. Frequent basting can slow cooking by cooling the oven.

25. How do I get crispy skin?

Pat the turkey dry, salt generously, and cook uncovered for at least part of the time.

26. Should I roast the turkey breast-side up or down?

Start breast-side down for the first hour, then flip for golden skin.

27. How long should the turkey rest after cooking?

At least 20–30 minutes to lock in juices.

28. How do I carve a turkey properly?

Use a sharp carving knife and remove legs, thighs, wings first, then slice breast meat across the grain.

29. Can I deep-fry your turkey?

Yes—our natural birds fry beautifully. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and patted dry.

30. Can I smoke a Wanted Raw Foods turkey?

Absolutely. Many customers smoke our birds for incredible flavor.

31. What's the best seasoning for your turkeys?

Salt, pepper, garlic, butter—and pasture-raised richness does the rest. It will also help keep the breast moist if you put butter (a compound butter is great for this!) between the skin and the breast.

32. Are pasture-raised turkeys more flavorful?

Yes. Their natural lifestyle produces richer, deeper, more authentic turkey flavor.

33. Why is pasture-raised turkey healthier?

It's higher in Omega 3s, lower in fat, and free of harmful additives.

34. Are Wanted Raw Foods turkeys gluten-free?

Yes. Our birds contain zero gluten, additives, or fillers.

35. How should I store leftover turkey?

Refrigerate within 2 hours of eating and consume within 3–4 days.

36. Can I freeze cooked turkey?

Yes—store in airtight containers or bags for up to 3 months.

37. What's the best way to reheat turkey without drying it out?

Warm gently with broth or covered tightly in foil.

38. Do your turkeys include necks for broth?

Yes, most include the neck for perfect homemade stock.

39. How do I make turkey gravy from scratch?

Use drippings, butter, flour, and stock to create a rich pan gravy.

40. Can I spatchcock a Wanted Raw Foods turkey?

Yes! This reduces cook time and crisps the skin beautifully.

41. Should I rub butter or oil on the turkey?

Butter gives richness; oil helps crisp skin. Many cooks use both.

42. What herbs pair best with pasture-raised turkey?

Rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, black pepper, paprika, and lemon zest.

43. Should I salt the turkey ahead of time?

Yes—salting 12–24 hours ahead helps season the meat deeply.

44. How much turkey do I need if we want leftovers?

Plan 2 pounds per person if you want plenty of leftovers.

45. Can I cook the turkey overnight?

We recommend traditional roasting for texture and food safety.

46. What sides go best with pasture-raised turkey?

Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans—classic and simple.

47. Why does my turkey skin brown unevenly?

Uneven heat, moisture on the skin, or over-basting can cause patchy browning.

48. Can I cook the turkey in a bag?

Yes—oven bags help lock in moisture, though the skin won't crisp as much.

49. What can I do with the turkey bones after the meal?

Make homemade bone broth—our pasture-raised birds are perfect for it.

50. Why choose Wanted Raw Foods for Thanksgiving?

Because we raise food the right way—clean, honest, pasture-raised, family-focused, and delivered with Texas heart. You taste the quality in every bite.

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