Does anyone think size matters when it comes to turkey breast? I have read post on every thing from small to ten pounds. I do think small chickens are better. Could bigger be dryer, the same, or just more meat?
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I think a heavier, meatier breast is much better than a small breast. The small ones will tend to dry out faster.
go to the guides, look for brining 101 and brine the biggest breast you can find. Cook it to 160 and you'll be amazed.
the biggest issue is some of the "breast" for sale out there has "Solution Added" and also is not a real breast, but more like a turkey roll.
the biggest issue is some of the "breast" for sale out there has "Solution Added" and also is not a real breast, but more like a turkey roll.
It's hard to find ones that aren't prebasted, solution-added or whatever. I look for ones branded "Natural" or the like.
The bigger turkeys don't seem tougher than the little ones (unlike chickens). I wonder if they're all the same age but the littler ones just weren't as successful at putting on weight?
The bigger turkeys don't seem tougher than the little ones (unlike chickens). I wonder if they're all the same age but the littler ones just weren't as successful at putting on weight?
Big chickens being "tougher" may have been true in the old days, but today's birds go from hatchling to fryer in literally a matter of weeks. As long as it doesn't say it's a "stewing hen" (an old bird) bigger is better. More meat to bone ratio. Better value.
Same for Turkeys. I get the biggest possible. The last time I smoked a half a dozen breasts and gave them away at Christmas time to friends to use while they entertained during the season. A big hit with all of them. And the biggest ones were the best.
Same for Turkeys. I get the biggest possible. The last time I smoked a half a dozen breasts and gave them away at Christmas time to friends to use while they entertained during the season. A big hit with all of them. And the biggest ones were the best.
Maybe it's just an overactive imagination, but seems like the biggest fryers have thicker, yellower skin and the keel bone is more bony compared to the little 3 lb fryers you can find if you really dig thru the pile. Maybe they're different breeds of bird?
I'd agree that the bigger ones are a better value, and for making baked chicken for use in pot pies or salad or anything like that I look for the biggest breasts I can find.
I'd agree that the bigger ones are a better value, and for making baked chicken for use in pot pies or salad or anything like that I look for the biggest breasts I can find.
Thanks everyone. I have used Smokin's brine and smoked two breast; but, I went with about 7.5 LB birds and they turned out GREAT! I was just thinking bigger breast more meat.
Now them big chickens are something else. They must inject them with steriods to make them grow bigger. That's why I like smaller ones - may have less steriods in them.
Now them big chickens are something else. They must inject them with steriods to make them grow bigger. That's why I like smaller ones - may have less steriods in them.