Freeze or no freeze turkeys?

[longranger]

I have a minor dilemma. 3 Toms are now ready to be culled and I am short on pen space. How much difference in quality is there between a rested frozen bird and the same bird fresh? I could wait the last 4 weeks if need be but the feed is going to be essentially wasted and quarters tight as the christmas birds are still growing like weeds.

 

[Laurieks]

somewhere I read that freezing helps tenderize the meat.... or that it was best to freeze before brining? I soaked a turkey in brine for 3 days before cooking last year... yummmy!
I look fwd to the rest of the replies!

 

[chickenannie]

I used to help a friend sell turkeys and some people insisted on having fresh turkey. HOwever, I've had frozen turkey and it tasted the same to me (delicious)! I'm not sure it matters, but will be interested to hear as well.

 

[pdpatch]

Very little if any difference, There may be a bit of difference in how tender the bird is. But that would be for older birds, say a year or older.

But for most people tenderness is just a perception, the USDA actually has a test you can used for tenderness.