Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and if you’re like many Heights residents, you’ve started to become more conscious of where your food comes from and might be considering purchasing a fresh turkey from a local farm. Raised without hormones and antibiotics, these turkeys provide a better flavor and are potentially healthier than a frozen turkey from the grocery store. Many local farms pride themselves on allowing the birds to roam free and enjoy a better quality of life before slaughter. Of course, you’ll pay more for one of these turkeys, but if factory farmed meat is weighing on your conscience, it will be money well spent. Here are a few places in the Houston area where you can purchase a farm fresh turkey.
Oaks of Mamre Farm
Located in Hempstead, about 50 miles northwest of the city, Oaks and Mamre Farm raises their birds without antibiotics, appetite stimulants, hormones, and chemicals. Their turkeys eat a certified organic, non-GMO diet of grains and legumes and there are no chemical fertilizers or pesticides used anywhere on the farm. In addition to turkeys, Mamre Farm sells chickens, Peking ducks, pastured eggs, goats, geese, and cheese. They sell directly from the farm or at farmer’s markets around Houston. Call the farm direct at (979) 826-9812 to place your order.
Georgia’s Texas Grass Fed Beef
As the name implies, Georgia’s primarily deals in beef, but they also sell turkeys, chickens, pork, and lamb. Georgia’s is located in Waller, about 45 minutes from the city. All their animals are raised in pastures, not cages, and are raised without hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. You can order online at www.txgrassfedbeef.com or over the phone at (979) 921-0000. Georgia’s sells from the farm, at farmer’s markets, or through delivery direct to your door.
Tejas Heritage Farm
Located in Cleveland, TX, about an hour northeast of Houston, Tejas Heritage Farm is committed to sustainable organic farming and preserving heritage breeds. Their turkeys are Blue Slate and Bourbon Red breeds, and are pasture-raised and free range. In addition to turkeys, you can purchase ethically farmed chickens, Guinea hens, rabbits, ducks, geese, pigeons, and farm fresh eggs. Order at www.tejasheritagefarm.com and pick up the Urban Harvest Eastside Farmers Market, or at the Grogan’s Mill Farmers Market in the Woodlands. You can reach the farm by phone at (281) 961-3034.
Revival Market
If you aren’t up for a drive to the country to pick up a turkey, you can save time by getting your fresh, organic turkey from Revival Market right here in the Heights. Their turkeys come from a well-known farm in Sonoma, California called Willie Bird Turkeys and are fresh, never frozen. Revival Market is located at 550 Heights Boulevard. While you’re there, be sure to pick up some delicious fresh baked goods, local honey, or house-made sausage. You’ll be glad you did!