Best Places To Buy A Thanksgiving Turkey In Sacramento

There are many decisions to make when planning Thanksgiving dinner, and one of the most important one involves the signature holiday bird. In addition to deciding what size turkey is needed to insure sufficient leftovers, there is also the matter of preparation. Turkeys can be brined in a vinegar bath, given a dry salt rub or marinated or injected with additional seasonings. Oven roasting is always a winner, but options including smoking, grilling and deep-frying have become very popular in recent years. Visit these Sacramento small businesses for the best in fresh, frozen or fully cooked turkeys; just remember to save the drumstick for Uncle Joe.

Morant's Old Fashioned Sausage Kitchen
5001 Franklin Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95820
(916) 731-4377
www.morants-sausage.com

Morant's Kitchen, family-owned and operated for close to 40 years, has something for every Turkey Day table. Several brands of fresh and free range turkeys are available; call a couple of weeks ahead for the best selection of sizes. Owner Dirk Müller says that for his own holiday meal, "I like the traditional way, roasting a turkey", but understands that not everyone has the time or facilities to do it at themselves. Fully cooked, smoked turkeys can be purchased; customers can also bring in their own turkey and have it smoked at the shop.

Sandra Dee's Bar-Be-Que & Seafood
601 15th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 448-6375
www.sandradeesbbq.com

While Sandra Dee's is known for having some of the best 'q in the Sacramento region, it is also a great spot to pick up fully cooked turkeys for Thanksgiving. The beloved eatery, owned and fully operated by the Dee/Johnson family, sells smoked and deep-fried turkeys. The birds only require reheating to be ready to serve, freeing up some of the precious time so often in short supply on the big day. Smoked turkeys typically range from 10 – 24-pounds, and fried ones are generally between 16 – 18-pounds. For the best selection, customers are advised to order at least one week in advance. Sandra Dee's also offers a tasty selection of Southern-style sides, including spicy and sweet corn, cornbread and greens slow cooked with smoked turkey.

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Mad Butcher Meat Company
6480 Florin Perkins Road
Sacramento, CA 95828
(916) 383-4943
www.madbutchermeat.com

Mad Butcher, owned by Diana and Michael Shum, has been a Sacramento staple since 1972. In addition to fresh meats, ethnic foods, housemade links and seafood, the shop offers frozen turkeys just in time for the holidays. Birds are available on a walk-in basis or can be ordered; for the latter, submit an order online and you will be contacted with current price and pick-up information. Some Thanksgiving-appropriate vegetables are available as well, including broccoli spears and corn on the cob.

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op
2820 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 455-2667
sacfood.coop

The Co-op carries fresh turkeys during the holidays, primarily from Diestel and Mary's Free-Range. The birds are available to customers in early November, first come, first served. Sizes typically go from 12 - 22 pounds. As with other poultry at the Co-op, all of the turkeys are raised without cages and with an antibiotic-free, vegetarian diet. Certified organic and verified non-GMO turkey may be available.

Taylor's Market
2900 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento CA 95818
(916) 443-6881
www.taylorsmarket.com

Taylor's Market offers a number of options, including free range turkeys from BN Ranch and Branigan's. Heritage and organic free range turkeys from Mary's can also be purchased. Some smaller sizes are available, and certain brands can be found at 18 or more pounds. Taylor's even carries a signature Turkey Brine Brining Kit for those who want all the flavor without the hassle; just add water and a turkey.

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Post Author: Valerie Heimerich.