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Step 1
Decide the weight of the turkey. The weight of the turkey is dependent on how many guests you will feed and whether or not you want leftovers. A good rule of thumb is that you should buy 2 pounds of turkey for each adult guest. Thus if you are having 8 guests, you will need a 16 pound turkey
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Step 2
Decide whether you want a fresh or frozen turkey. Buy a fresh turkey if you don't have much time to defrost it. Some people swear that fresh turkeys taste better, but frozen turkeys taste just as good if cooked properly.
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Step 3
Decide whether you want a free range turkey. Some people prefer to buy free range turkeys because they feel the turkey meat is of a more acceptable quality. If you want to buy a free range turkey, do so from a reputable local turkey farmer or butcher. Unfortunately, many free range turkeys you find in the grocery store are not really free range. And since free range turkeys typically cost more, don't pay for something that you aren't really getting.
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Step 4
Decide if you want an organic turkey. Organic turkeys are raised on natural foods and are not given hormone shots to increase their size. For this reason, you won't usually be able to find a 20 pound organic turkey. Organic turkeys cost more than regular turkeys but many prefer the fact that they are better for you.
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Step 5
Decide where to buy the turkey. Most people buy turkeys at supermarkets, but you can also order them from your local butcher shop. If you are lucky enough to live near a turkey farm you may be able to buy your turkey directly from them.
