Turkey 101

‍

Fresh or Frozen? Whole turkeys may be labeled “fresh” only if they have never been chilled below 26°F. Store a fresh turkey in its packaging in the refrigerator. Cook it within 2 days after purchasing. Turkeys chilled below 0°F must be labeled “frozen.” Frozen turkeys may be stored up to 1 year in the freezer. To thaw a frozen turkey, keep it in its packaging. Place it in the refrigerator on a rimmed tray or pan to catch any juices. Allow about 24 hours thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. If you’re short on time, you can safely thaw a frozen turkey in a cold-water bath. Make sure the water cannot leak through the plastic wrapping on the turkey. Submerge it in a sink filled with cold tap water (40°F to 45°F), changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes per pound for this method, and cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. Do not refreeze thawed turkeys.

‍

How to Prep a Turkey

‍

See the Herb-Roasted Turkey recipe

‍

Check Doneness: Take the temperature about 30 minutes before final roasting time is reached. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone, or in the meatiest part of the breast away from the wings. Doneness temperature for the thigh is 175°F to 180°F and 165°F for the breast.

‍

How to Carve a Turkey

‍

1. Place the turkey, breast side up, on carving board. Remove the trussing string.
2. Using a sharp slicing knife, cut through the skin between the breast and thigh. Pull the drumstick and thigh away from the breast and cut through the joint to remove the leg.
3. Place the leg flat on the board and cut at the joint between the drumstick and thigh.
4. To remove the breast meat, cut along one side of the breast bone. Once you reach the rib cage, turn the knife to follow the curve of the breast bone. Cut through the wing joint and remove the meat.
5. Slice the breast meat crosswise at a 45-degree angle to keep skin intact.
6. Remove the wings by cutting between the wing joint and carcass. Arrange the turkey on a platter.

3 Turkey Leftover Ideas

‍

Apple-Turkey Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Whisk pomegranate juice into a homemade red-wine vinaigrette for added sweet and tangy taste.

‍

View recipe

‍

How to Store Cooked Turkey

‍

Leftover meat should be removed from the bone within 2 hours after the turkey comes out of the oven. Either shred or chop the meat and package it in 3-cup portions in containers or resealable plastic bags. Refrigerate leftover turkey up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.