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Why JD Farms is The Best
Turkeys raised under the J.D. Farms SPECIALTY TURKEY CERTIFICATION fed a natural diet of grain, vitamins and minerals without any anti-biotics or animal by products. The turkeys are raised in spacious.
Well-ventilated barns with freeaccess to fresh water and a constant supply of fresh feed. Special care and diet bring about the highest quality and exceptional flavor.
PURCHASING A JD SPECIALTY TURKEY
Fresh JD Specialty Turkeys are available during the Easter, Thanksgiving, US Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons with frozen always on hand. There is no need to pre order your turkey from the on farm store as we expect to have an ample supply (stop by early to ensure a good selection).
If it’s inconvenient to visit our on-farm store, click here to find a store near you!
The fresh turkey that you receive from us will keep in your refrigerator for four to five days. J.D. Farms Specialty Turkeys are vacuum packed and stored in our coolers at 0 degrees C (turkey freezes at -2 C) to ensure the freshest bird for your table.
A Note About Size and Grade
At J.D. Farms we grow 10 - 18 lb turkey hens (weight may vary plus or minus 2 pounds). If you require a larger turkey you might consider cooking two of our specialty hens or adding a half a turkey.
When ordering plan on 1 lb of turkey for each adult and 1/2 lb of turkey for each child, this will provide enough meat to go around and leave a little bit left for the next day's sandwiches
Turkey grading is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Grade A may have a wing tip missing or a small cut in the skin. At JD farms the giblets are packed in Grade A only. Utility Grade means that a part may be missing (usually a wing or piece of skin) and there are no giblets packed with it. Meat quality is the same for both grades, poultry is graded by appearance only.
Food Safety
Safe Handling of Poultry
- Always wash all equipment and utensils thoroughly after handling raw J.D. Farms turkey to avoid bacteria transfer onto cooked meat.
- Never partially cook your J.D. Farms turkey one-day and continue cooking the next day. (Food spoilage organisms accumulate quickly on partially cooked foods.)
- An oven temperature of 325 to 350 Deg. F (160 to 180 Deg. C) is best for roasting J.D. Farms turkey. Higher temperatures may toughen the protein and cause shrinkage. Temperatures lower than 300 Deg. F. (150 Deg. C) are not recommended.
- Cooked J.D. Farms turkey should never be left on the table or counter after carving for more than 2 hours!!!
- Avoid leaving J.D. Farms turkey (cooked or raw) in the 'DANGER ZONE" - 40 Deg. F. (4 Deg. C) to 140 Deg. F. (60 Deg. C.)
Nutrition Facts
Think Turkey. Think Health!
The new "Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating" recommends selecting leaner meats, poultry, fish and seafood. Delicious turkey is an excellent selection to help you meet the standards established to improve the well being of Canadians.
In addition to being a leader in the "lean" meat class, turkey is an excellent source of protein providing the essential amino acids necessary for the renewal and maintenance of body tissues and providing food energy.
Turkey is an excellent source of niacin, a factor in the maintenance of good health.
Turkey is good source of phosphorous, a factor in the normal development of bones and teeth.
For a healthy lifestyle, choose turkey from the wide array of parts, fresh cuts and deli products that are now available. Delicious, tender turkey can add variety and interest to your menus every week of the year.
Nutrient Content of Whole Roasted Turkey
| Part |
Cal |
Fat |
Chol. |
Protein |
| Roast Turkey (light meat only) |
146cal |
2.6g |
67mg |
28.6g |
| Roast Turkey (dark meat only - thigh) |
167cal |
7.1g |
105mg |
24.1g |
| Roasted Lean Light Meat (breast & wing) |
150cal |
3.1g |
73mg |
28.5g |
| Roasted Lean Leg |
179cal |
7.7g |
118mg |
25.6g |
| Roasted Lean Turkey (light & dark meat) |
160cal |
5.0g |
89mg |
26.9g |
| Roasted Lean Dark Meat (leg & back) |
173cal |
7.5g |
109mg |
24.7g |
Per 100 g (3 1/2 oz) serving.
SOURCE: CTMA, 1997, Food Research Centre, University of Moncton
Comparison of Fat Content of Ground Meat
| Raw Ground Meats |
Grams of Fat(Max.) |
| Ground Turkey Breast |
2.0 |
| Premium Ground Turkey |
4.0 |
| Regular Ground Turkey |
7.0 |
| Extra Lean Ground Beef |
9.5 |
| Ground Chicken |
10.0 |
| Lean Ground Beef |
15.06 |
| Medium Ground Beef |
20.65 |
| Regular Ground Beef |
26.55 |
Per 100 g (3 1/2 oz.) serving.
SOURCE: Invatech Labs, Abbotsford, BC 1995, Beef Information Centre
Fat Contents of Popular Meats
| Cooked Meats |
Grams of Fat |
| Skinless Turkey Breast, Roasted |
1.5 |
| Skinless Chicken Breast, Roasted |
2 |
| Turkey, Roasted* White Meat Only |
2.6 |
| Chicken, Roasted* White Meat Only |
4 |
| Pork Tenderloin, Roasted |
5 |
| Chicken, Roasted* Dark Meat Only |
7 |
| Beef Sirloin Steak, Broiled |
7 |
| Turkey Roasted*, Dark Meat Only |
7 |
| Beef Rump Roast, Roasted |
8 |
| Pork Loin Chop, Roasted |
10 |
| Veal Loin Chop, Broiled |
12 |
| Lake Trout, Broiled or Baked |
13 |
| Fried Chicken |
14 |
| Fast Food Fish Sandwich |
20 |
Based on 100 g (3 1/2 oz) serving.
*skin removed after cooking
SOURCE: Canadian Nutrient File, Health Canada
CTMA, 1997, Food Research Centre, University of Moncton
Thawing
Never Thaw J.D. Farms Turkey at Room Temperature!
Leave J.D. Farms turkey in original package and follow one of these methods.
Fast Method
Place wrapped frozen J.D. Farms turkey in sink and cover completely with cold water. Allow 1/2 hour per pound of J.D. Farms turkey. Change water frequently.
Regular Method
Place wrapped frozen J.D. Farms turkey on a pan in refrigerator. Allow 5 hours per pound of J.D. Farms turkey. (A 20-pound J.D. Farms turkey will take approximately 4 days to completely thaw.) Refrigerate or cook J.D. Farms turkey immediately once thawed. NEVER refreeze uncooked J.D. Farms turkey.
Preparing/Stuffing
Preparing
Wash hands thoroughly with hot soapy water before and after handling raw J.D. Farms turkey. All materials used for storage, preparation and serving J.D. Farms turkey must also be cleaned before and after use. Remove plastic wrap from thawed J.D. Farms turkey. Remove giblets and neck from body cavity. Rinse J.D. Farms turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Stuffing
Stuffing is most easily prepared separately and placed in a covered casserole dish to cook during the last hour of the J.D. Farms turkey roasting time. For those who prefer to stuff their J.D. Farms turkey follow these directions.
Prepare stuffing and spoon into body cavity just before roasting. Do not pack stuffing - let it sit loosely in cavity to promote even cooking.
Never stuff your J.D. Farms turkey the day before it is roasted. It takes too long to heat the centre of the chilled stuffing and food spoilage organisms could accumulate.