Know your Christmas Turkey

Butchers_Slades_Turkeys_1000x1000 For generations, we’ve been helping families create magical Christmas memories. We take such joy in people fuelling their festivities with food and drink that’s been grown, reared and crafted with love, either here on our farm or by neighbouring producers.

Of all the meals we share each year, there is no question that the festive feast is the most important one. Every family has their own traditions. For some it’s that tremendous roast turkey, for others, Boxing Day glazed ham or a show-stopping rib of beef. Whatever takes centre stage, it should be properly reared, beautifully prepared, and shared with love.

Here at Darts Farm, we work with the Slade family who rear traditional Bronze Turkeys slowly and naturally on their farm, just 6 miles up the road. But what exactly is a Bronze Turkey and what makes it so special?

Master Butcher, Alastair, gives us the low down on why a bronze bird is best:

A Heritage Bird

Most turkeys eaten during the modern festive season bear little resemblance to their wild ancestors, with industrial farming focusing on a single breed - the Broad Breasted White. Yet several heritage varieties still resemble their wild ancestors, including the Bronze Turkey, distinguished by its dark plumage and coppery-metallic sheen.

Matured at own pace

Hens are typically chosen for their superior fat coverage and eating quality. Unlike supermarket turkeys - fast-grown stags bred for speed - these heritage birds mature at their own pace, taking twice as long to reach weight. The result is succulent meat with a deep, rich flavour.

Properly free range

Our turkeys roam freely in farm fields, developing strong muscles and a larger proportion of brown meat, ensuring a unrivalled taste and texture. By contrast, industrially reared birds are raised in crowded, intensive, controlled environments. Even “free range” birds may spend only a few days outside.

Dry-plucked by hand

Each turkey is dry-plucked and hung for at least two weeks to develop exceptional tenderness and the distinctive depth of flavour only a true free-range heritage bird can offer. The industrial counterparts are machine plucked under water and frozen instantly.

Darts Farm

Know your Christmas Turkey

Posted in Butchers on 07 Nov 2025

Know your Christmas Turkey

Master Butcher, Alastair, gives us the low down on why a bronze bird is best:

A Heritage Bird

Matured at own pace

Properly free range

Dry-plucked by hand

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