Millions of Americans will hit airports, roadways and railways this Thanksgiving, but you have decided to stay home and celebrate Thanksgiving in your West Hills apartment with friends or family.  Good choice, but now to an even tougher decision … what type of turkey should you buy!  These days we are reading or hearing about organic turkeys, kosher turkeys, cage free turkeys and all natural turkeys – which one is right for you.

 Fresh and Frozen turkeys are sold in most super markets and are an inexpensive choice for your holiday dinner. Fresh turkeys are a good choice, especially if you don’t have time to thaw a turkey, but frozen turkeys cost less and are fast frozen right after butchering so they are usually quite tasty.

 Organic turkeys are another choice, these turkeys must be raised on 100% organic fee and given “access” to outdoors.  These turkeys are antibiotic free.

 Kosher turkeys are gaining popularity and can only be labeled Kosher if they are processed under rabbinical supervision.  These turkeys receive no antibiotics and are grain fed.  Kosher turkeys are usually brined in Kosher salt and are a good option.

 Turkeys labeled natural mean the turkey has no artificial flavor and minimal processing.  The label natural does not indicate how the turkey was raised or what they were fed.

 Self-basting turkeys sound like a good option, but be careful what they are injected with.

 Free-range turkeys must have access to the outdoors, but it does not mean they are cage free.

 Heritage turkeys are typically raised locally and have more dark meat and less white meat than the Tom Turkey of our child hood, they are usually more expensive and more flavorful (some say gamey).

Selecting the right turkey is an important aspect of a successful Thanksgiving dinner – gobble, gobble.