*This article has been updated to reflect order deadlines for 2016.
No offense to Butterball (or any supermarket turkey, for that matter), but if you're already thinking about Thanksgiving—and if you're reading this, you are—you're probably somebody who plans ahead. And when it comes to turkey, planning ahead can be a real advantage.
Why? Because there are turkeys out there that only the early birds get. Heritage breeds of turkeys raised on small, family-owned farms have flavors that grocery store turkeys can't match. (They also come with a higher price tag, so if you spring for one, maybe ask Aunt Judy to bring the pies and the potatoes.)
And now is the time to order a small-batch turkey (yes, we just coined that term), because in a few weeks they'll have, uh, flown the coop. Here are five places to find one.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Heritage Foods is highly regarded for their heritage turkeys. These are endangered breeds that are never fed antibiotics. They're pasture-raised (that is, raised on grass, not in cages) at Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch in Kansas and are grown three to four months longer than conventional turkeys, resulting in sturdier meat. All turkeys are shipped fresh. Heritage Foods has already begun taking orders and will continue to take them until they are sold out. Your best bet is to order as soon as possible to ensure the size you want. Order no later than Thursday, November 10, 2016.
If you want to try something a little different this year, order a smoked turkey. Texas-based Greenberg smokes turkeys over a hickory fire, and the birds arrive at your door ready to eat. Sliced and served cold—or warmed slightly in the oven—Thanksgiving couldn't be easier. Or, um, smokier. Order by Wednesday, November 16, 2016, for delivery by Thanksgiving.
D'Artagan, based in Union, New Jersey, offers free-range organic turkeys, heritage turkeys, and—most exciting to us—wild turkeys. These are woodland and pasture-raised small birds from upstate New York and have dark, lean, almost game-like meat. All turkeys are shipped fresh. Order no later than 12:00pm EST on Monday, November 21, 2016, for delivery by Thanksgiving.
Based in Boonton, New Jersey, Fossil Farms collaborates with a local family-owned farm that supplies them with all-natural, free-range turkeys that are never given hormones or antibiotics. All turkeys are shipped fresh. Order by Thursday, November 17, 2016, for delivery by Thanksgiving.
Organic Prairie, a cooperative in La Farge, Wisconsin, is comprised of five USDA organic family farms. Order a 13- to 16-pound whole turkey—or, if you're planning on a small gathering, go for the bone-in, skin-on turkey breast. For standard shipping, order by Monday, November 14, 2016; for overnight shipping, order by Monday, November 21, 2016. As the turkey will arrive frozen, it will require time to thaw before Thanksgiving. Need tips on thawing? We've got you covered.