Ever find yourself furiously looking up the difference between fresh and frozen turkey, or Googling the answer to “how much turkey do I need?” while standing in a grocery store aisle? Never again! We’ll tell you everything you need to know to figure out the perfect turkey for your gathering, plus answer all your questions about what to do with the bird when you get home, from storage to thawing.

• Self-Basting: A self-basting turkey is generally less expensive than organic or natural turkeys. It has been filled with ingredients like salt, butter, or chicken fat to make it more flavorful and moist—hence, there’s no need to baste it. In general, these turkeys produce juicier meat than other varieties.
• Conventional: Conventional turkeys will be less expensive than organic turkeys, but may have added hormones or antibiotics, depending on where they come from.

If you like, talk to your butcher about what types of turkey he recommends for the cooking method and meal you’re planning.