WHAT MAKES OUR TURKEYS SO SUCCULENT AND FULL OF FLAVOUR?

Our turkeys are free range. This means they are free to roam and forage in our fields and hedgerows. However, they do have large and airy barns they can return to whenever they choose that protect them from bad weather and night-time predators.

We use fresh straw and wood shavings as bedding. When the turkeys first arrive on the farm they are too small and vulnerable to go outside. So for their first few weeks we house them in the barns in special rings lined with corrugated cardboard and an extra layer of biodegradable paper as bedding. This is because straw and shavings can be harmful to young birds if eaten. We did say we take the welfare of our birds seriously!

We prepare our turkeys on the farm and dry pluck them entirely by hand. Dry plucking is a traditional skill which is fast disappearing and which we’re happy to help preserve. We choose to do it because it protects the birds’ skin and helps them to cook perfectly. The way mass produced birds are processed can tear and bruise their skin.

When plucked the birds are hung for at least seven days to dry-age at a steady temperature of between 2ºC and 4ºC.  This allows the meat to mature while the natural gamey flavours, unique to a Traditional Farmfresh Turkey, develop.

Because we’re committed to the welfare of our birds throughout their lives, we’re members of the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA). The HSA is a world renowned and highly respected organisation that for more than 100 years has worked to improve standards and bring practical and lasting improvements to the welfare of food animals around the world.

Everything we do means our birds have happy, healthy lives. And you have a juicy, tender, flavourful turkey with skin that browns and crisps beautifully. Delicious! The perfect centrepiece for your Christmas meal.

One factor which can make all the difference to the flavour and texture of a turkey is when it has been dry-plucked and matured.  This is the process we use and is known as Traditional Farmfresh.

Turkeys produced by members of the Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association were the first product in the UK to gain recognition from the EU that they are produced according to a traditional method. This means TFTA members can display the Traditional Speciality Guaranteed Logo.

This sets us aside from other turkey producers. We not only have to meet the TFTA’s Quality Assurance Code, but must continue to comply with the EU Regulation.

TFTA turkeys are only sold directly from the producer at the farm gate or online, through farm shops and quality butchers. So you won’t find them in your local supermarket.

Another good reason to order your Hart’s Traditional Turkey today.