Are Willie Bird Turkeys good?
There’s no denying that the muscular Willie Bird is a good turkey. The Wall Street Journal in 1998 named it the best designer bird in a taste test. The Chronicle last year ranked it second behind another natural range bird from Diestel Turkey Ranch in Sonora.
Who bought Willie Turkey?
Heidi Diestel
Sonoma’s Willie Bird Turkeys sold to California poultry firm Diestel Family Farms. Heidi Diestel of Diestel Family Ranch.
Are Willie Bird Turkeys frozen?
All of our smoked products are fully cooked, immediately cooled, and vacuum-sealed so that they will remain fresh for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks. If not used in this time period the product can be frozen for up to six months. Our smoked products are shipped fresh/chilled to retain flavor and texture.
Who bought Willie birds?
Diestel Family Ranch
SONORA, Calif. –(BUSINESS WIRE)–Diestel Family Ranch, sustainably raising turkeys since 1949, is acquiring Willie Bird Turkeys, a like-minded family farm that has become known around the world for its high-quality poultry.
What is pre brined turkey?
You don’t realize that many turkeys are pre-brined. That frozen Butterball “Contains up to 8% of a solution of Water, Salt, Spices, and Natural Flavor.” That means Butterball did the brining already in order to extend the shelf life of the turkey.
What happened to Willie birds?
Sonoma Valley lost one of its iconic agricultural businesses earlier this summer when Willie Bird Turkeys was sold to Diestel Family Ranch of Sonora for an undisclosed price. Willie Bird’s processing plant in Schellville has closed, and the once-bustling 7.5-acre property is now vacant.
Are Willie Bird Turkeys organic?
Willie Bird free-range turkeys are raised in Northern California on organic grains and are certified to be free of artificial pesticides and chemicals. The coveted birds are shipped directly to you for peak freshness and flavor.
How do I know if my turkey is already brined?
Make sure it’s not pre-brined It’s not unheard-of for store bought turkeys to be injected with brine to impart moisture. If you see a label that has ingredients other than turkey, your bird may be pre-brined. If you brine a pre-brined turkey, you will end up with a very salty Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Do you rinse a pre brined turkey?
As you prepare your poultry for cooking though, Michigan State University Extension reminds you that all brined meat or poultry should be washed, including brined turkey. Holiday cooks purchasing brined turkey or brining their turkeys at home, must rinse the brine off before the turkey goes into the oven.
How big of a turkey do I need for 15?
While 1 pound per person could feel like too little, and 1 1/2 pounds for each guest might be over-doing it, 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per mouth is the perfect balance. At that rate, feeding a large party of 15 or more people requires 20+ pounds of turkey.
How much turkey do I need for 7 guests?
The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds per guest. To buy the right size turkey for your party, simply tally up the turkey-eating guests. Add a few pounds on for bones and you’ve got your turkey weight.
Why choose Willie bird turkeys?
Offering superior quality is the driving force behind Willie Bird Turkeys. The result of our “commitment to control” allows us to produce a meat product that is smooth and mild-flavored; a delight even to the most discriminate palate.
How long does Willie bird smoked food last?
It is during this process that it absorbs the depth and character of flavor that has become the famous Willie Bird trademark. All of our smoked products are fully cooked, immediately cooled, and vacuum-sealed so that they will remain fresh for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks. If not used in this time period the product can be frozen for up to six months.
How do you make Willie bird BBQ?
First, we wet cure it in a mild, low-salt marinade; conceived of special oils and spices, where it is then aged to perfection. Next, we smoke it over natural wood (sweet maple hardwoods). It is during this process that it absorbs the depth and character of flavor that has become the famous Willie Bird trademark.