Organic Prairie’s Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast offers a convenient and flavorful option for health-conscious consumers. This fully cooked product combines the natural goodness of organic turkey with the rich taste imparted by hardwood smoking. Made with only three pure ingredients, it provides a clean-label alternative to conventional deli meats.
The turkey breast slices are versatile and ready to eat, making them ideal for quick sandwiches, salads, or protein-packed snacks. They’re produced by Organic Prairie, a company known for its commitment to organic farming practices and high-quality meat products. The smoking process enhances the turkey’s natural flavor while maintaining its nutritional value.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of this product. The slices can be kept refrigerated for immediate use or frozen for longer-term storage. When frozen, they can be easily thawed overnight in the refrigerator, ensuring a convenient option for meals throughout the week.
Overview of Organic Prairie
Organic Prairie is a cooperative of family farms committed to producing high-quality organic meats. The company focuses on sustainable farming practices and animal welfare while offering a range of organic meat products to consumers.
Brand History
Organic Prairie was established in 1996 as a sister brand to Organic Valley. The company began with a small group of organic farmers who wanted to expand their offerings beyond dairy products. These farmers shared a vision of producing organic meats without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or GMOs.
Initially, Organic Prairie offered a limited selection of beef and pork products. Over time, they expanded their product line to include chicken, turkey, and various processed meats. The brand grew steadily, attracting more farmers who aligned with their organic and ethical farming principles.
Organic Valley Affiliation
Organic Prairie operates as a division of Organic Valley, one of the largest organic farmer-owned cooperatives in the United States. This affiliation provides Organic Prairie with access to a wide network of organic farmers and resources.
The connection to Organic Valley allows Organic Prairie to maintain consistent quality standards across its product range. Both brands share a commitment to organic farming practices, environmental stewardship, and supporting family farms.
Organic Prairie benefits from Organic Valley’s established distribution channels and marketing expertise. This partnership enables the brand to reach a broader consumer base and compete effectively in the organic meat market.
Product Features
Organic Prairie’s Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast offers a combination of organic certification, humane farming practices, and high-quality ingredients. These features contribute to a premium deli meat product that prioritizes both flavor and ethical production.
Organic Certification
The turkey breast carries USDA organic certification. This certification ensures the product meets strict standards for organic production. The turkeys are raised without the use of antibiotics, hormones, or synthetic pesticides. Their feed is 100% certified organic, free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organic Prairie’s commitment to organic farming extends beyond the final product. The entire production process, from farm to packaging, adheres to organic guidelines. This holistic approach results in a cleaner, more natural turkey breast option for consumers.
Humane Farming Practices
Organic Prairie emphasizes animal welfare in their turkey production. The turkeys are raised on small family farms with access to fresh air and outdoor spaces. This allows the birds to engage in natural behaviors, reducing stress and promoting overall health.
The cooperative’s farming practices go beyond basic requirements. Turkeys are given ample space to roam and forage. They are not confined to cramped indoor environments. This approach aligns with consumer demand for more ethically produced meat products.
The humane treatment extends to processing methods, ensuring minimal stress for the animals throughout their lifecycle.
Quality of Ingredients
Organic Prairie’s Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast boasts a simple ingredient list. The product contains only organic turkey breast, water, and sea salt. This minimalist approach highlights the natural flavor of the meat without artificial additives or preservatives.
The smoking process uses real hardwood, imparting a authentic smoky flavor to the turkey. This method enhances taste without relying on artificial smoke flavors or colors.
The focus on quality ingredients results in a premium deli meat. It offers a cleaner label and potentially better nutritional profile compared to conventional alternatives. The product caters to health-conscious consumers seeking minimally processed options.
Health and Nutrition
Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast offers a lean protein option with important nutritional benefits. This product provides essential nutrients while being low in fat and calories.
Nutritional Content
A 2-ounce serving of Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast contains approximately 60 calories. It is an excellent source of protein, providing about 11 grams per serving. The turkey breast is low in fat, with less than 1 gram per serving.
This product contains no trans fat and is low in saturated fat. It also has minimal carbohydrate content, making it suitable for various dietary needs. The sodium content is moderate, typically around 450-500 mg per serving.
Daily Value Contributions
Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast contributes significantly to daily protein requirements. A single serving provides roughly 23% of the recommended Daily Value for protein. This makes it an effective choice for muscle maintenance and overall health.
The product is low in fat, contributing minimally to daily fat intake. It contains small amounts of essential minerals like iron and potassium. While not a significant source of vitamins, it does not contain added sugars or artificial ingredients.
For those monitoring sodium intake, it’s important to note that a serving provides about 20% of the Daily Value for sodium. The product is naturally free of vitamin D and calcium.
Product Preparation
Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast comes fully cooked and ready to eat. This convenient feature allows for quick and easy meal preparation, suitable for various culinary applications.
Ready to Eat Designation
The turkey breast is fully cooked during the smoking process, eliminating the need for further cooking. It can be consumed straight from the package after thawing. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to refrigerate the product overnight before use. This allows the meat to thaw gradually and retain its moisture.
Suggested Uses
This versatile product lends itself to numerous culinary applications:
- Sandwiches: Slice thinly for classic deli-style sandwiches
- Salads: Dice and add to mixed greens for a protein boost
- Charcuterie boards: Arrange slices alongside cheeses and fruits
- Wraps: Roll up with vegetables and condiments
- Pasta dishes: Cut into cubes and toss with pasta and vegetables
The turkey breast can be served cold or gently warmed. To heat, wrap in foil and place in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the meat.
Packaging and Storage
Proper packaging and storage are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast. These factors directly impact the product’s shelf life and overall freshness.
Shelf Life
Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast typically comes vacuum-sealed in airtight packaging. This packaging method helps extend the product’s shelf life by preventing exposure to air and contaminants.
When unopened and refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, the turkey breast can last up to 14 days past the “use by” date printed on the package. Once opened, it should be consumed within 5-7 days for optimal quality and safety.
Freezing can further extend the shelf life. When properly frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below, the turkey breast can maintain its quality for up to 6 months.
Instructions for Storage
Refrigeration is essential for storing Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast. Keep the product in its original packaging until ready to use.
After opening, transfer any unused portions to an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent moisture loss and protects against odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
For freezing, wrap the turkey breast tightly in freezer-safe packaging or place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the package with the date of freezing for easy tracking.
When thawing frozen turkey breast, place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, depending on the size. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
Special Dietary Considerations
Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast caters to specific dietary needs and preferences. This product addresses concerns related to food allergies and antibiotic use in meat production.
Common Allergens
Organic Prairie Organic Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast is free from many common allergens. It contains no gluten, soy, dairy, or nuts. This makes it suitable for individuals with these food sensitivities.
The product is processed in a dedicated facility to minimize cross-contamination risks. However, consumers with severe allergies should always check the label for the most up-to-date information.
Turkey itself is not considered a common allergen. This makes it a good protein option for those with food allergies.
Antibiotic Free
Organic Prairie’s turkey breast is produced without the use of antibiotics. This aligns with growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free meat products.
The company raises turkeys on organic feed and employs natural methods to maintain animal health. This approach helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic-free meat may contain fewer residues and can be beneficial for individuals concerned about antibiotic resistance. It also supports sustainable farming practices.
Consumers can trust that this product meets strict organic standards, which prohibit the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry.