Aberdeenshire turkey producer, Barra Bronzes, has joined a select group of double gold star winners named as part of the Guild of Fine Food’s 2016 Great Taste event.
Out of an entry of 10,000 products judged this year, only 878 were chosen to receive the double gold award, including the entry from Barra Bronzes, submitted by Oldmeldrum-based farmer, Craig Michie.
The Great Taste judges’ commended the Barra Bronzes meat for its “round, long flavours” and a dark meat content that was “gorgeous and pleasantly moist”. They also said the breast had a good texture and the skin was very flavourful.
“Our birds spend seven months in our care, making them the slowest grown turkeys in the UK,” said Mr Michie. “Every technique we use has a reason which ultimately leads to better tasting meat.”
The farm also has two “guarding alpacas” who act as a natural deterrent to predators which might otherwise snatch a turkey if given the chance. As a result, the birds are free to forage for vegetation and fallen fruit, in addition to being fed on a special grain mix produced on the farm.
“This is key to giving that greater depth in flavour,” said Mr Michie (pictured above).