For a truly uniquely flavoured turkey this year, why not try a Farmison & Co. herb-fed turkey? These free-range birds are the only turkeys in the whole of the UK to have been fed daily on a selection of up to 10 fresh herbs mixed with their grain; adding a subtle and layered flavour to the meat.

The herb-feeding method was pioneered by Yorkshire based farmer, Edward Wilkinson, who started by feeding his chickens on a selection of herbs, before trialling the method with his turkeys. The herbs include a fresh selection of parsley, chives, dill coriander, thyme, fennel, tarragon, marjoram and their favourite, basil, to name a few; although interestingly they don't like sage (who can blame them).

By feeding the turkeys this selection of herbs and allowing them the freedom to roam, the turkeys develop a rich layer of extra flavour to the meat, that remains deliciously moist when cooked.  When the turkeys are ready, they are dry plucked and waxed to give them the finest finished, before being game-hung for 10 days to allow the meat to tenderize and take on even more flavour.

To compliment this unique technique and flavour, Michelin starred chef, Jeff Baker, who trained under Pierre Koffman and now works exclusively for Farmison & Co., advises, “If cooking the whole turkey or crown use a herb infused butter under the skin which perfectly compliments the Farmsion herb-fed turkey, stuffing the cavity will also increase flavour and moisture levels.”

For those daunted by the prospect of cooking and carving a whole turkey, Jeff has also created a stuffed turkey parcel, a boned stuffed turkey breast and the stuffed turkey crown, ensuring a quicker cooking time and making for easier carving, but with an equally impressive end-result and flavour. This year his turkey stuffing is a rich plum and caramelized onion, full of Christmas flavours, adding a unique, sweetness to a classic savoury dish; whilst ensuring there is enough moisture for the meat to remain succulent.

So, for those looking to only buy turkey once a year for Christmas, it makes sense to get the very best flavoured turkey for a show stopping dish on the day. The added advantage is that it will be delivered oven ready straight to the door from the Yorkshire Dales, making it the perfect choice this Christmas. 

ENDS

For more information on Farmison & Co's full range of Christmas products, as well as delivery times for Christmas 2016, please visit www.farmison.com. For media enquiries, please contact Doune Mackenzie 077737 96725 doune@farmison.con

FARMISON & CO. TURKEY RANGE

Yorkshire herb fed whole turkey

Reared by farmer Edward Wilkinson, who is famed in the region for his tasteful turkeys, Edward adapted his method of herb feeding chickens and introduced it to the turkey stock to give the meat a new depth of flavour and a succulent taste that will have your guests coming back for seconds, before you've had chance to prep the Christmas pudding. Priced £59.95 for a 4kg turkey. Serves 4. Priced £69.95 for a 5kg turkey. Serves 6. Priced £79.95 for a 6kg turkey. Serves 8. Priced £104.95 for an 8kg turkey. Serves 12.

Yorkshire herb fed turkey crown on the bone

This joint gives both a quicker cooking time and less waste for those who prefer their turkey without dark leg meat. Cooking on the bone maintains the traditional roast turkey flavour. Simply combine softened butter with sea salt, a variety of herbs, spices and finely grated lemon peel and push under the skin of the crown to lubricate the bird and baste with the juices as it roasts, for a delicious rich flavour. Stuffing the cavity will also increase flavour and moisture levels.  Priced £64.95 for a 2kg crown. Serves 6. Priced £89.95 for a 3kg crown. Serves 8. Priced £129.95 for a 4.5kg crown. Serves 12.

Free range heritage breed stuffed turkey parcel

The turkey parcel has been created to provide a quick and easy to alternative to a full turkey or crown. Stuffed with rich plum and caramelised onion stuffing, each parcel serves one, providing the complete flavour of Christmas in an easy to cook parcel. Perfect for couples or smaller parties. Priced £12.95 for 250g. Serves one.

Stuffed turkey breast

Farmison & Co's stuffed turkey breast is delivered with a sweet and fragrant plum and caramelised onion stuffing, wrapped in tin foil and ready for roasting. Comfortably serving eight, this is an excellent alternative for the festive table, boasting rich flavours and succulent meat, making it a simple and discerning alternative to a whole bird. Priced £34.95 for a 2.5kg breast. Serves 8.

Stuffed turkey crown

Similar to the breast, yet double the size as both breasts are attached for a larger gathering, this is an artisan special. Handmade on Farmison & Co's butcher's block to provide a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas feast. Comes stuffed with a traditional plum and caramelised onion stuffing, creating succulent meat that is packed with flavour. Priced £49.95 for 5kg crown. Serves 16.

Notes to editor

Supplier to some of the UK's leading chefs including Andrew Pern (The Star Inn, Harome) and Tommy Banks (The Black Swan, Oldstead) alongside Michelin star restaurant House of Tides, London's Tate Modern, Restaurant 34, Bocca di Lupo and Ducksoup, Farmison & Co ensures the best quality meat is available beyond top restaurants and directly into peoples' kitchens through its online UK wide delivery service.

With an unrivalled range of British heritage meat to choose from, Farmison & Co allows the home customer to choose not only by cut, but also by breed and maturity. These include some of Britain's favourite native breeds such as Aberdeen Angus, Galloway and Old Spot Gloucestershire alongside the lesser known Dexter, White Park, Swaledale and Herdwick to name but a few.

With the largest selection of English cuts of steak online, Farmison & Co also provides exclusive and difficult to source products and unrivalled lengths of dry-ageing on the bone. Farmison & Co's master butchers cut to order, delivering an entirely personal service to meet the customer's taste and deliver fresh, not frozen in under 24 hours.

Alongside its extensive range of cuts, Farmison & Co also offers over 20 different types of meat box, boasting the best of British artisan butchery, either for gifting, feasting, or stocking the freezer alongside its Monthy Meat Box – a subscription service expertly curated each month offering an outstanding seasonal selection direct from the butcher's block.

From the dales to your door, all Farmison & Co's products are traceable back to their farms and its longstanding relationships with its farmers, ensure its standards of traditional husbandry – feeding natural produce with space to roam and time to grow at their own pace – are unequivocally met.

“The Hereford Steaks are the best I have ever tasted.”

Andrew Pern, Chef and Director of the award-winning Star Inn at Harome.

The pub, which won back its Michelin star in 2014, is renowned for its extensive use of local seasonal produce.

“The care and attention which Farmison & Co place in sourcing and aging Britain's wonderful beef delivers taste you never forget.”

Tommy Banks, Head Chef at the Michelin starred Black Swan at Oldstead.

With a background in farming, the majority of produce used at the Black Swan is grown on site by Tommy in his two-acre garden kitchen. Having built up a fantastic network of suppliers, Tommy has been a longstanding customer of Farmison & Co.