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="67">How heavy should a Christmas turkey be?

Choosing the right weight for your Christmas turkey can be a surprisingly tricky task. Every year, countless households across Britain face the same dilemma: how big should the bird be to feed the family comfortably, while avoiding excessive leftovers or waste? The answer depends on several factors, such as the number of guests, whether you prefer plenty of leftovers, and the balance of meat to bone in the turkey itself.

A helpful starting point is to consider portion sizes. On average, you will need between 250g and 300g of meat per person if the turkey is part of a larger festive spread (with pigs in blankets, stuffing, and other trimmings). However, because a whole turkey includes bones and parts that are not eaten, you must account for this when calculating. A practical guide is to allow at least 500g to 600g of raw turkey per guest. This ensures there is enough meat, while also giving a little breathing room for seconds.

So, for example, if you are hosting six adults, you should look for a turkey weighing around 3.5kg to 4.5kg. If you have ten people, you’ll want something closer to 5.5kg to 6.5kg. For twelve to fourteen guests, a bird in the region of 7kg to 8kg would be appropriate. Of course, if your family relishes cold turkey sandwiches on Boxing Day or enjoys making curries, soups, and pies with the leftovers, you might wish to opt for a size larger than the strict calculation suggests.

It’s also worth thinking about the practicalities of cooking. A very large turkey, say over 8kg, can be awkward to handle. It may struggle to fit into a standard oven, and the cooking time will be considerably longer, which increases the risk of the breast meat drying out before the legs are fully cooked. In such cases, some households prefer to buy two smaller turkeys or supplement a medium bird with an additional joint, such as a crown, breast, or even a ham, to ease the pressure.

Another consideration is whether your turkey will be the centre-piece of the meal or simply part of a table laden with other roasts. If you are serving beef, goose, or gammon alongside the turkey, you can afford to choose a smaller bird. Conversely, if the turkey is the star attraction, a slightly larger size might be wise.

It’s also important to bear in mind that free-range and organic turkeys often have a higher meat yield compared to mass-produced birds, as they carry less water. This means you may not need quite as heavy a turkey to achieve the same results. Speaking to your butcher or supplier can help, as they are usually happy to advise on the most suitable weight for your gathering.

In short, there is no single “correct” size for a Christmas turkey. The ideal weight depends on your guest list, your love of leftovers, and your oven’s capacity. As a general rule, aim for 500g to 600g of raw bird per person, adjust upwards if you want leftovers, and don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for tailored advice. That way, you can look forward to a Christmas feast with a turkey that’s generous, satisfying, and not wastefu