When the turkey arrived
Whether it was previously frozen
What farm or producer it came from
A turkey’s diet affects everything from its flavor to fat content. Birds raised on a diet rich in corn and soy have a mild, buttery flavor, while pasture-raised turkeys (those that forage naturally) tend to have a more robust, slightly gamier taste. Chefs often choose the latter for their complexity — especially when roasted with simple seasoning.

Where to Find Great Turkeys According to Chefs
Professional kitchens often source from local farms or specialty purveyors, not supermarkets. But you can apply the same principle at home:

Look for regional farms that pasture-raise birds humanely.