Ferndale Free-Range Turkey
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Raised the Way Nature Intended - No Hormones or Antibiotics
The perfect tradition for your holiday meal!
Ferndale Turkey - Wholesome & Delicious
Carve into a tender, succulent turkey this Thanksgiving and enjoy the rich flavor of a bird that was raised right. Ferndale turkeys grow naturally, without the use of antibiotics or artificial growth hormones. During the temperate months, they are rotated on fresh pasture so they have access to clean air and fresh grass. Each Ferndale Market Turkey has been raised antibiotic-free and with room to roam on our family farms in Minnesota - so you can feel good knowing you’re feeding your family the very best. Naturally processed with no additives, our frozen whole turkeys are the perfect tradition for your holiday meal and all year-round!
Traditional Free-Range Turkeys
From the moment their baby chicks are born, they are cared for in a sheltered, heated brooder barn to maximize healthy growth during the early stages of life. The chicks are given food and water by hand, and no antibiotics are used throughout the turkey's entire life. When the turkeys get old enough they transition to the outdoors full-time during the summer months, so the birds can forage in nature like true free-range animals. At Ferndale, they take pride in raising free-range turkeys the way nature and their namesake intended, and at Crowd Cow, we couldn't be happier to have them as part of our family.
Cook The Perfect Turkey
Plan Ahead - Our turkeys arrive frozen, so make sure to give yourself 3-5 days to fully thaw your bird. Brine, fry, or baste and roast — whatever method you choose, this will be your best-tasting turkey yet.
Carve the Turkey - Ensure your turkey is as juicy as possible by letting it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving, as this will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the bird.
First time cooking a turkey? Or want to try something new this year? Check out our how-to guides and recipes to ensure your Thanksgiving goes without a hitch and is truly the most delicious day of the year!
Turkey Serving Sizes
| Turkey Size | Weight | Feeds |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Turkey Medium | 10–12 lbs | 6-9 People |
| Whole Turkey Large | 13–16 lbs | 9-12 People |
| Whole Turkey XL | 17–22 lbs | 12-15 People |
Turkey Recipes & Cookig Tips
Tips for the Perfect Turkey
Brining consists of soaking the turkey in liquid, sugar, and salt. The turkey then absorbs the moisture, making is less likely to get overly dry. There are no set amount of the ingredients for your brine, it’s kind of a free for all, so just toss in what you like! Here are some ideas to get you started...
Thaw a Turkey In One Day
In case you find yourself in the predicament I was in of needing to thaw a 20-pound frozen turkey in 10 hours or less, we've got your covered. In your moment of panic, just remember to not heat your turkey to defrost it (counter-thawing and hot water = bad idea).
How to Deep-Fry a Turkey
Successfully deep-frying a turkey automatically puts you into Thanksgiving-hero status. What’s not to love about a juicy, tender inside and super crispy outside? Deep-frying can be risky business, though, so we created a step-by-step guide to ensure your bird-cooking is executed successfully.
More Whole Turkey Recipes
Pasture-Raised Moroccan-Spiced Turkey - You’re already treating friends and family to the best, truly pasture-raised turkey out there — why not try an unexpected recipe as well? Spiced, citrus-y and a little exotic — you’ll never look at Thanksgiving the same way again!
How to thaw a frozen turkey
Refrigerator Thawing:
- Thaw turkey breast side up, in an unopened wrapper, on a tray in the refrigerator (at or below 40°F).
- Allow at least 1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey.
- Keep the turkey in its original wrapper and place it on a tray to catch any potential drips.
- Use the thawed turkey within 4 days after it has fully thawed.
Cold Water Thawing:
- Thaw the turkey breast side down, in an unopened wrapper, with enough cold water to completely cover the turkey.
- Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold and if the turkey cannot be fully covered, rotate it every 30 minutes to maintain even thawing.
- Estimate a minimum thawing time of 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
Additionally, it's recommended to check on your turkey 24-36 hours ahead of your planned cooking time. If the turkey is still partially frozen on the outside, you can take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours before cooking, checking it hourly to ensure it remains cool to the touch but not frozen.
Once fully thawed, your turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for an additional 1-2 days before cooking. This information is valuable for ensuring food safety and a successful Thanksgiving or holiday meal.
Ferndale Turkey FAQ
Q: Does the Turkey contain the giblets?
A: Yes, each whole turkey includes a bag of giblets (including a heart, liver, and gizzard) and a neck, which you’ll find in the neck cavity. Turkey giblets are traditionally used in flavoring your gravy, stuffing or soups. Be sure to remove the giblet packet before cooking.
Q: Are Ferndale Market Turkeys brined or basted?
A: No, Ferndale Market turkeys are not brined or basted. They do not contain any added salt, water, or fillers of any kind so they are perfect to bring. We don’t add any competing flavors to your holiday traditions, just 100% turkey.
Q: How do I brine a Turkey?
A: The basic wet brine is one cup of coarse kosher salt or sea salt to one gallon of water, making enough to submerge the bird. We recommend not brining for longer than 12 hours. Herbs, fruits, and seasonings are all great additions to brines so be sure to customize to your tastes!
Q: How long does it take to thaw a Turkey?
A: We recommend thawing your turkey for at least 24 hours in the fridge for every 3 pounds of turkey..
Q: Should I stuff my Turkey?
A: We recommend caution when stuffing your holiday turkey. The density of the stuffing can cause the inside of the turkey to remain under-cooked while the outside becomes overdone and dries out. We suggest using the flavorful drippings from your cooked bird to season your stuffing before cooking it in a separate pan.
Q: How do I prep and thaw the Turkey?
A: Plan Ahead - Our turkeys arrive frozen, so make sure to give yourself 3-5 days to fully thaw your bird. Brine, fry, or baste and roast — whatever method you choose, this will be your best-tasting turkey yet.
Q: How do I carve the Turkey?
A: Ensure your turkey is as juicy as possible by letting it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving, as this will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the bird.