So, it’s been a pretty bad year for the Turkey business hasn’t it? From recalls (36 million and counting) to illnesses (107 and one death reported over 31 states) just about everyone is wondering if the “turkey” scare is a thing of the past. With that said, is there a way to lower the risks while increasing the odds for the better when it comes to turkey buying? Absolutely!
Organic
Of course I would say that…..but here’s why. Organic farmers are certified by the USDA for their process and procedures in producing their product. Not only does their process raise the “bar” where the animals are concerned, but it avoids the dangers found in a farm that doesn’t use an organic process. From the quality of life to the grazing, organic methods use the highest standards avoiding the common problems found in standard mass production farming practices, thus reducing and eliminating the salmonella outbreaks that cause the most dangerous outcomes. Locally, in Hampton Roads, you have two primary locations where you can buy organic turkeys:
Virginia Garden Organic Grocery (http://www.vagarden.com/products.aspx) – Farmers Market in Virginia Beach.
Non-Organic
So what are the chances you’ll encounter a problem with your turkey should you go the non-organic method? Remember this if nothing else: Humanely raised does not = diseased free. Sorry to tell you that, but it’s the truth. I can raise something “humanely” but (can possibly) still encounter the salmonella bacteria found in turkey infected products. Salmonella starts in the intestinal tract of an animal and spreads to humans who come in contact with food contaminated with animal feces. The chances of encountering the problem usually increases through massive reproduction farm factories, where the animals stand a greater chance of coming in contact with other animal feces. Salmonella can then continue to spread when the food is not cleaned or washed before cooking, is undercooked and when cooking/prepping utensils/cutting boards and countertops are not kept clean after coming in contact with infected products. Organic processes are designed to reduce the likelihood of the bacteria initially occurring from the animal while increasing the quality of the overall product. But remember how bacteria spread to us: Cross contamination, warm temperatures and unclean practices. However, if you don’t buy organic products at least wash the turkey inside and out to rid the spread of surface bacteria, keeping all of your cooking/prep utensils/cutting boards, etc., clean throughout your preparation and cooking, making sure to thoroughly cook your food product (use a temperature gauge to ensure the process).
Albeit I’ve eaten non-organic turkeys all my life, I now am beginning to use more caution than ever before. Many (local) stores that I thought would have the two choices (organic and non-organic) do not. If you noticed, my above list for the Hampton Roads area was very short when it came to offering USDA Certified Organic Turkey. Unfortunately, if you’ve waited this long to buy an organic turkey then you may be out of luck in finding them. There are many online resources for ordering turkey’s, some delivered to your door, but that requires advance planning. If you live outside Hampton Roads, then do what I did: Google “organic turkey (fill in the blank for your location)” to find where you can purchase locally. With that said, read on to find some great “alternatives” for your turkey purchase.
Alternatives
I love turkey as much as anyone and look forward to eating my fair share at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Local butchers do a great service in trying to offer the best possible alternative solution to authentically raised and healthier choice meats. If you’re trying to go this route try going local versus chain store or talk to your local chain store butcher and they’ll tell you where they buy their meat from. Farm Fresh uses some local farms and takes great pride in their selection process. I always enjoy talking to my local Farm Fresh butcher about where their products come from and what he knows about the farmer. If you go the local butcher route call ahead and ask where/how/what the story is behind the product(s) they sell. By that I mean this: Where did the product come from? How was it raised? What do they know about the farm and quality standards? It sounds like I’m being picky, but guess what? You only have to ask that question once. Here are a few suggestions for the Hampton Roads area.
Central Meats (http://centralmeats.com) – Great place to shop and very conscientious owners, a place I have often patronized over the years. However, their products may/may not be stamped organic by the USDA – but that doesn’t mean they haven’t gone the extra mile to improve the choice/quality of their products. They buy from local farmers, whose end product is produced to a higher standard than most.
Eat Wild (http://www.eatwild.com/products/virginia.html) – This website is a great resource for farms throughout Virginia and our neighboring states (North Carolina, Maryland and over the border to Tennessee). Many (if not all) of the farms listed follow organic guidelines and all of them take great pride in their farming practices.
It’s better to be “aware” than to blindly eat anything you don’t know (somewhat) the history behind the product.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Awareness = wellness. Happy Thanksgiving!
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