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Sunday, November 01 2015

 

Diestel Turkey Ranch, founded in 1949, is one of the last small, family-owned turkey grower-processors in the United States, operated by 3rd & 4th generation ranchers Tim and Joan Diestel and two of their children. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills in Sonora, California, this ranch boasts range grown turkeys fed a natural, 100% vegetarian diet that is milled on site. At Farm Fresh, the Diestel turkeys we carry receive non-GMO feed as well. All Diestel turkeys are humanely raised and harvested with great care and compassion. These delicious birds are consistently praised for looking and tasting better than your average grocery store bird, with a rich “old-fashioned flavor,” incredible tenderness, and texture. How can you celebrate Thanksgiving without one?

WHY DO THEY TASTE SO GOOD?

One reason Diestel turkeys taste so much better than the competition is due to the long, active lifestyles their birds live. Many of us are familiar with the term “free range,” meaning that the animals simply have access to the outdoors. At Diestel, they prefer to use the term “range-grown” as their adult turkeys actually live outdoors using the natural environment of trees and shrubs as shelter. They get plenty of exercise, moving freely throughout the range to forage, drinking clean mountain water, and breathing fresh air. Allowed to grow naturally, Diestel turkeys are raised twice as long as conventional ones, and with far more room to roam! These turkeys have time to be turkeys and enjoy life! When it comes to feeding the turkeys, Joan Diestel says, “No artificial anything!” Diestel’s turkeys never contain any artificial ingredients such as nitrates, phosphates, MSG, artificial colors or flavors. The Diestel family sources the best corn and soy available and has been milling their own feed since 1965, spending extra time and attention to ensure their turkeys have a healthy, natural diet. Turkeys are fed a 100% vegetarian diet with no antibiotics, growth enhancers, hormones, gluten, animal by-products or dried distillers grains. With a Diestel turkey, you can be confident that you’re feeding your family quality food this Thanksgiving, free of chemicals!

COOKING YOUR TURKEY

Now that you know where your turkey comes from, how are you going to cook your bird? After rinsing, patting, and 

stuffing your bird, the Diestel family suggests a simple rub recipe made of 4 Tbsp oil, 4 tsp. salt, and 2 tsp. paprika (and any of your other favorite herbs and spices). When it comes to roasting in the oven, 325F is just the right temperature (cooking times vary); there’s no need to turn the bird while cooking or use a bag, though placing a foil tent loosely over the turkey for the last hour can prevent too much browning. Don’t forget to cover the bottom of the pan with broth or water before you pop the bird in the oven! For a spectacular gravy, the Diestel family recommends pouring a heated cup of white wine over the turkey halfway through roasting time. Mm delicious!

The Farm Fresh Market and Diestel families are wishing you a most harmonious, delicious Thanksgiving!

 

 

Posted by: Becca AT 07:51 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email