We first fell for Diestel turkey several years ago, in the form of meat loaf sold at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op’s hot bar. We since have grown fond of the Sonora ranch’s sliced, sandwich-ready turkey as well.

In all its incarnations, all year long, Diestel turkey – from slow-grown, vegetarian-fed birds – tastes Thanksgiving-fresh rather than turkey-loaf-processed. So it seems like a whole Diestel turkey (available at the Co-op and Whole Foods on Arden Way) would be a smart bet as centerpiece of your Thursday, Nov. 24, holiday meal.

Prices for raw birds start at $2.99 a pound at the Co-op, and $3.49 at Whole Foods, and rise with organic and heirloom designations. Whole Foods also offers cooked turkeys as part of take-out holiday meals.

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, 2820 R St., Sacramento, 916-455-2667, sacfood.coop; Whole Foods, 4315 Arden Way, Sacramento, 916-488-2800.

Carla Meyer