The $225 turkey

Heritage turkeys are gamier and chewier and have to be prepared differently. For example, they have to be cooked at a lower temperature.

“A lot of people prefer a flavorless turkey, because that’s what they’re used to,” Mr. Smith said.

So, yes, it might cost you 12 times as much for a chewier, gamier bird, but — consider it a contribution to the health of our ecosystem: Mr. Smith and Mr. Kamp agree that the increasing popularity of heritage turkeys helps promote biodiversity.