Holiday Home Cooking: Diestel Turkey Review - When Only the Best Will Do

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As the holiday season quickly approaches, preparations for family gatherings including choosing the menu, that could include a variation of poultry, meats, seafood and pasta now include planning for leftovers which has become as popular as the main meal itself.

Thanksgiving ushers in the seasonal family get together and traditions. It's part of our culture. It's a meal where quality matters, and only the best will do because we're feeding our families.

From exceptional taste and flavor recognized by acclaimed gourmet chefs, to sustainable farming methods that support the health of the bird and the environment, to a passion for turkeys that feels out of this era, Diestel birds truly are a cut above the rest.

For four generations, the Diestel Family Turkey Ranch has been naturally raising turkeys on their beautiful farm nestled in the Sierra Foothills. This is the Diestel family tradition since 1949. Their ranching style, family-farming secrets, and strict sustainable standards consistently produce a better, tender and juicier turkey with real, old-fashioned flavor.

One of the last small, family-owned turkey grower-processors in the United States, the family raises a variety of different turkeys, perfect for any family.

Premium-quality turkeys with old-fashioned flavor from a Family Farm since 1949. Whether the turkey of choice is their artisanal American Heirloom known for more rich and flavorful meat; a GAP 5+ rated pasture-raised turkey; or Diestel's original, broad-breasted turkey possessing exceptional flavor, all of Diestel's birds have one thing in common: They taste like turkey should.

Shared Liren Baker, Kitchen Confidante blogger and mother of two, "Year after year, we have the Diestel family at our table. They may not be seated next to us, but one of their beautiful turkeys graces our meal and has become part of our family tradition. And in that way, they have joined us, fed us, grown old with us, and created family memories with us."

Diestel turkeys are slow grown in a natural environment, thoughtfully raised almost twice as long and given three times as much space as conventional birds, and fed a 100% vegetarian diet of premium grains milled daily on the ranch. The Diestel Turkey Ranch recently received Non-GMO Project Verification for their NaturalOrganic and Heirloom Collection, and the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) awarded Diestel's pasture-raised birds its highest 5+ rating.

Meet the family of Diestel Turkeys:

  • The Original Diestel Turkey: The turkey that started it all! These broad-breasted birds have superior yield and exceptional flavor. GAP Step 3 Rated, Size 10-40+lbs.
  • Non-GMO Verified Diestel Turkey: One of the first turkeys to be Non-GMO Project Verified! These broad-breasted birds have superior yield and exceptional flavor. GAP Step 3 Rated, Size 10-20+lbs.
  • Diestel Petite Turkey: Perfect for everyday and small gatherings. Our special breed is fully matured at 6-10lbs and has superior yield for its size.
  • Diestel's Certified Organic Turkey (Heidi's Hens): Fed a certified organic diet, Non-GMO Project Verified, slow-grown, naturally tender and juicy. GAP Step 3 Rated, Size 6-30lbs.
  • Diestel's American Heirloom Turkey, Certified Organic: Bring back a piece of history with these bronze and black birds. Rich in flavor, these organic turkeys are Non-GMO Project Verified. This is Diestel's artisan turkey. GAP Step 3 Rated, 10-30lbs.
  • Diestel's Pasture-Raised Turkey: Free to forage on a holistic farm, these birds thrive in open pastures, rotationally grazing on a multi-species farm. Tender and juicy with old-fashioned flavor. GAP Step Rated 5+, Size 10-30lb.

"The Diestel family is fully committed to its personal mission of raising and producing the highest quality, most delicious turkeys possible. To us, it's not about being the biggest, it's about being the best. We take great pride in producing the centerpiece of many family's holiday celebrations. Diestel turkeys are coming straight from our family to yours; so we want our birds to be perfect, every one of them," said Heidi Diestel, turkey farmer.  

There are households across the country where Diestel has been a trusted centerpiece of their holiday experience, and the consensus is always the same: Once you go Diestel, you can't go back.

The Diestel Family has created a source page, which is open without subscription, at www.diestelturkey.com.  A one stop shop when you're talking turkey from the main menu, store information and availability, to their specialty page of leftover recipes.

From Heidi's Turkey Salad with Cranberries & Almonds, Turkey Burgers Four Ways, and Smoked Turkey with Honey Glaze to Spicy Turkey Tamale Pie, Turkey Jambalaya, and Black Bean Turkey Enchiladas. A plethora of Turkey Talk and delicious mouthwatering recipes.

For more information and store availability www.dietelturkey.com. Also find the brand on Facebook.