What is an Heirloom Turkey?

On Thanksgiving Day, nothing signals the feast ahead like the rich aroma of a turkey roasting in the kitchen. An heirloom turkey elevates that experience with deeper flavor, tender meat and juiciness you won’t find in most store-bought birds.


Unlike conventional breeds raised for efficiency, these turkeys are raised humanely and slowly to develop naturally reflecting generations of careful farming. Their flavor and tenderness are superior to regular turkeys, similar to the way a premium Wagyu steak outshines one from the grocery store.


We’re proud to offer Organic American Heirloom Whole Turkeys from Diestel Family Ranch. These rare birds are thoughtfully raised, naturally flavorful, and ready to take center stage at your holiday table. Order Your Organic American Heirloom Turkey Today →

Heirloom vs. Heritage Turkey: What’s the Difference?

You may have seen the terms “heirloom” and “heritage” used to describe turkeys and wondered what sets them apart. While the words are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some key differences to understand.

Heirloom Turkey

Heirloom turkeys are rare breeds that have been carefully maintained over generations. These birds are bred with flavor and quality in mind rather than speed of growth or high production. The result is a bird that develops slowly, producing tender, juicy meat that stands out from conventional turkeys.

Heritage Turkey

Heritage turkeys generally refer to birds that come from traditional lineage and are raised naturally. These turkeys follow similar breeding and raising practices to heirloom birds, but the term emphasizes the preservation of classic turkey traits and natural farming methods.

Our Organic American Heirloom Turkey comes from historic breeds including Auburn, Black, and American Bronze. These breeds have been around for hundreds of years and contribute to the exceptional flavor and texture of this single, thoughtfully raised turkey.

Did You Know?
Heirloom turkeys produce meat that is richer, more tender and more flavorful than conventional birds. Their slow growth and natural diet give them a depth of taste you’ll notice with every bite.

What Makes This Turkey So Exceptional?

Our Organic American Heirloom Turkey stands out for its flavor, appearance, and the care taken in raising it.

• Flavor Profile: The meat is tender, juicy, and rich, delivering a depth of taste that makes every bite memorable. Compared to conventional turkeys, the flavor is more pronounced and satisfying, perfect for a special holiday meal.
• Visual Authenticity: You may notice bronze and black feathers occasionally leave slight marks on the skin. This is completely natural and a sign of a turkey raised with integrity, not altered with artificial processing.
• Care and Quality: These turkeys grow slowly and are raised naturally, with plenty of outdoor access and a nutrient-dense diet. Every bird is traceable, so you know exactly where it comes from and how it was raised. This commitment to quality ensures a flavorful and ethically raised turkey on your Thanksgiving table.

This Thanksgiving, treat your family to a turkey that stands apart. Our Organic American Heirloom Whole Turkey from Diestel Family Ranch is thoughtfully raised, full of flavor, and ready to be the centerpiece of your holiday table. Order Your Organic American Heirloom Turkey Today →

Why You’ll Want an Heirloom Turkey This Thanksgiving

Imagine the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table: a golden, perfectly roasted turkey that fills the room with a savory aroma. With our Organic American Heirloom Turkey, you’re not just serving a bird, you’re serving a piece of history and flavor that is unlike anything you’ve experienced with conventional turkeys.

These birds are rare and exceptionally hard to come by. Each turkey is thoughtfully raised to ensure a superior experience from the first slice to the last bite.

Here’s why our heirloom turkey stands out:

• Perfect Size: Available only in 14 to 16 pounds, ideal for a family gathering.
• Prepare Your Way: Each turkey ships frozen and unbrined, giving you complete control over seasoning and preparation.
• Pure and Natural: Free from artificial additives or fillers.
• Exceptional Flavor: Tender, juicy and rich, delivering a meal you will be proud to serve.
• Traceable Quality: Raised with care and fully traceable to the farm, so you know exactly where your turkey comes from.

Bring home an heirloom turkey this Thanksgiving and create a meal that is as memorable as it is delicious. Order Your Organic American Heirloom Turkey Today →

Why We Partner with Diestel Family Ranch

At Snake River Farms, we hold our partnerships to the highest standards. We only work with partners whose values match our commitment to quality, transparency, and ethical practices. That is why we are proud to partner with Diestel Family Ranch. You can learn more about our partnerships on our Stories + Partners page.

Diestel Family Ranch is family-owned and operated, with a legacy dating back over 70 years. Their approach to turkey farming reflects generations of care and expertise. Here's what sets their regenerative practices apart:

• Regenerative Farming: Turkeys graze on rotational plots of land treated with nutrient-rich compost and allowed rest periods of 2 to 8 months, enhancing soil health and biodiversity.
• Nutrient-Dense Diet: Birds are fed an organic, vegetarian diet that supports slow growth and rich flavor.
• Global Animal Partnership Step-Rated: Commitment to animal welfare verified through internationally recognized standards.
• USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified: Assurance that the birds are free from synthetic additives and genetically modified ingredients.

Partnering with Diestel allows us to provide you with an heirloom turkey that is ethically raised, traceable, and consistently exceptional in flavor and quality.

Bring Home an Organic American Heirloom Turkey

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and our Organic American Heirloom Turkey is ready to be the centerpiece of your holiday table. These rare, flavorful birds are only available in limited quantities, so we encourage you to order early to ensure a memorable feast.

At Snake River Farms, we are selective about the farms we partner with. We only work with producers whose standards reflect the same care and quality we demand for our beef and pork. With Diestel Family Ranch, you can enjoy a turkey that is ethically raised, fully traceable, and exceptional in flavor.

Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable. Order Your Organic American Heirloom Turkey Today →