Make way for the star of the Thanksgiving table – the Turkey! Before the good ol’ bird dominates the table of every household as the main course during the celebration, the Turkey comes in different packages (fresh or frozen, prebasting, prestuffed) and in different sizes.

The turkey can be purchased whole as in traditional manner or in parts, suitable for small families who have the preference of white or dark meat.  Because there are many turkeys available in the market today, you can be sure that you’re getting exactly what you want by reading carefully the label.  Look for the inspection mark by the USDA ( U. S. Department of Agriculture) to make sure that the meat is safe, wholesome and accurately labeled.  You can also use the USDA Grade mark to be certain of its quality.  Turkeys that are grade A are meaty, have a well developed layer of fat in the skin, and are practically free from pinfeathers, bruises, cuts, tears on the breast and legs, and broken bones.

To be sure that the turkey you’re buying is tender, the best way to check it is by looking at its label.  The younger the turkey, the more tender and the milder the flavor will be.  Most turkeys available in the market are youn and are labeled “Young Turkey” which is about 4-6 months old.  There are also young turkey that are labeled “Fryer-Roaster Turkey”.  These turkeys are usually under 16 weeks of age.  The sex designation of the turkey “tom” or “hen” is optional and may or may not be found in the label.  It is an indication of size rather than the tenderness of the turkey.

Whether you buy fresh or frozen turkey, there is actually no significant difference in quality.  It is a matter of personal preference.  When we were in Costco this afternoon, we happen to see frozen young turkey for .99 a lbs.  So, we chose the biggest one we can find and brought it home.  If you are one of those who would shop well in advance, then the frozen turkey is your best bet.  At the market, look for one that is solidly frozen.  Frozen whole turkey can be stored in the fridge at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 1 year without appreciable loss of quality.  You don’t need to rewrap it for freezer storage unless the original wrap is torn, punctured or opened.

If you decide to buy fresh turkey, buy it only when you do your shopping 1 or 2 days of when you plan to serve it.  Fresh turkeys like other fresh meats are highly perishable.  You need to be careful when purchasing and storing them to avoid spoilage.  If you buy one too far in advance, the turkey might spoil in your refrigerator before you’re ready to cook it.

>For sure by now you have decided what type of turkey you will buy and it’s time to think of how big of a turkey you should get.  You can figure on 1 lbs. per person.  If the turkey is prestuffed, try adding 1/4 lbs per person.  This will cover each person and will provide enough leftover for second day dishes.  I bought a 22 lbs. turkey although there are only 7 of us who will be present at the Thanksgiving dinner.  That way, Travis and I will have something to fill our stomach as we commute to Florida and back to Minnesota.