Shady Brook Farms, the world's largest supplier of fresh turkey, has teamed up with grilling expert and renowned cookbook author George Hirsch to open backyard cooks' eyes to turkey as the low-fat, high-protein, low-sodium and delicious choice for a summer "Turkey-Cue."

"Many people don't realize how easy it is to prepare turkey on the grill," Hirsch says. " Its naturally mild flavor allows bold seasonings and rich smoky flavors to complement the taste of the turkey meat."

Hirsch also noted that turkey makes sense for a nutritious meal choice for those watching their fat intake and cholesterol count. Consumers can also win great prizes grilling turkey this summer by participating in the Great Summer GrillFest.

When preparing turkey on the grill, Hirsch said knowing your fire is key - the outdoor temperature, the direction of the wind and the moisture in the air all affect cooking times. Hirsch offered the following "turkey-cue" tips:

• Use natural fuels like propane and hardwood charcoal. Avoid briquets made from saw-dust and binders, or charcoal impregnated with lighter fluid, which impart an undesirable flavor.

• Note that an open grill allows food to sear, while a closed grill gives food a smokier flavor.

• Never place food on a cold grill. The grill should always be preheated, including the grate.

• Avoid using salt when marinating because the salt will draw out the juices and toughen the flesh.

• For fast cooking, coals should be very hot and placed directly under the turkey or turkey part. Use this method for smaller turkey cuts that require a grilling time of 25 minutes or less.

• For slower, even cooking, use indirect heat by placing coals on the outside edges of the grill rack. Place a foil drip pan between coals, position turkey on the rack and place the lid on the grill. Use this method for larger turkey cuts.

• To smoke turkey, place wood chips beneath the cooking grate to add a light smoked flavor. Ideal woods for smoking include alder, apple, cherry, grapevine, hickory, mesquite and oak.

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There are many methods to preparing turkey on the grill to serve up a flavorful summertime meal. For instance, serve up from Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey Burgers with Salsa or Grilled OnlyOne Turkey Tenderloins (also preseasoned in Teriyaki, Mesquite Smoked or Zesty Lemon with Green Chilies flavors) to make your guests' mouths water. Or, try Shady Brook Farms' Grilled Turkey Sausage & Vegetable-Basil Kabobs with Turkey and Walnut Salad and make the meal a hit with friends and family.

Shady Brook Farms is offering consumers free tips for preparing turkey on the grill including appropriate preparation and cooking times and additional grilled turkey recipes designed for home use. For free tips and recipes, consumers can write to: Shady Brook Farms, P.O. Box 158, Dayton, VA 22821.

Delivered fresh from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Shady Brook Farms is committed to providing the purest, safest, best-tasting turkey products. Shady Brook Farms is the first turkey company to use Assur-Rinse(TM) as part of its normal processing efforts. A food safety breakthrough, Assur-Rinse(TM) effectively eliminates potentially hazardous foodborne pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli, thus assuring enhanced product safety and quality.

Shady Brook Farms turkey products are always fresh, never frozen, with no artificial additives or preservatives. Shady Brook Farms products exceed Grade A standards, carry the Good Housekeeping Seal and come with a money-back guarantee. Shady Brook Farms is the premium fresh turkey brand of Rocco, Inc.