A large native-American bird well-know in the U.S. as the Thanksgiving main course. Wild turkeys still live and thrive in some regions of the U.S. and Mexico. Given the size of the birds most turkeys are eaten for holiday meals but the industry has broadened its market by adding ground and sliced products which can be easily prepared for everyday meals. Ground turkey makes a slightly lower fat alternative to been in any recipe that requires ground meat.
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Find whole turkeys fresh or frozen in most grocery stores. Other turkey products are readily available too and freeze well for longer storage.
Turkey, whole, bone-in 12 - 18 lbs. = 25 servings
Turkey, whole tom 16 to 24 lbs. = 13 to 19 1/2 lbs. uncooked meat
Turkey, whole roaster 5-9 lbs = 3 3/4 to 6 3/4 uncooked meat
Turkey, whole hen 8 to 16 lbs. = 6 1/4 to 12 1/2 lbs. uncooked meat
Whole Turkey Diagrammed