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Recipe: Turkey Purchasing
Similar Categories: Turkey, Purchasing
Turkey Purchasing
Whether purchasing a fresh or frozen turkey, consumers can be
confident they are buying a quality product. The decision of which
to purchase is based on personal preference in price and
convenience. Oven-ready fresh and frozen birds are tucked into snug,
air and water resistant plastic wraps immediately following
processing. Air is removed as bags are sealed and shrunk so they fit
the turkey almost as tightly as its own skin.
Frozen turkeys are flash frozen immediately after processing to 0
degrees F or below and held at that temperature until packaged. The
meat, once defrosted, is virtually at the same freshness as the day
it was processed.
Fresh turkeys are deep chilled after packaging. They have a shorter
shelf life and are, therefore, usually more expensive.
Whether you buy a fresh or frozen turkey, proper cooking and
handling of the bird will ensure a delicious holiday meal.
Frozen Turkey:
Store at 0 degrees F or below. Purchase during special value sales and store the bird in the
freezer until the thawing time begins. Thaw under refrigeration, in cold water, or the microwave.
Refrigeration: Allow approximately 24 hours per four to five pounds
to thaw in the refrigerator.
Cold Water: Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound to thaw in cold
water, which is changed every 30 minutes. Do not use warm or hot
water and be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
Microwave: Follow the microwave manufacturer's directions and begin
to roast the turkey immediately following the microwave process.
Fresh Turkey:
Stored at 26 degrees F and above. Purchase for convenience because thawing is not required. Cost may
be slightly more due to special handling required by the store. Order in advance to be assured of availability. Place fresh raw poultry in a refrigerator that maintains 40
degrees F and use it within the time frame on the package label or
freeze the poultry at 0 degrees F.
Hard Chilled/Previously Hard Chilled Turkey:
Stored at temperatures between 0 and 26 degrees F. In late 1997,
new regulations created a separate category for turkeys in this
temperature range, which had previously been labeled fresh. Cooks
should treat this bird with the same care as a fresh bird and
recognize this product has a shorter shelf life than a frozen
product.
OTHER TIPS FOR PURCHASING AND PREPARING TURKEY:
Processors may add convenience or value-added features to whole
turkeys, including pop-up timers, net bags for easy carrying and
self-basting solutions injected into the bird for added flavor.
Consumers can choose which of these options best suit their needs.
Purchase one pound of turkey per person to be served. This formula
allows for the holiday meal plus a little left over for the prized
turkey sandwich.
Ensure that the packaging is intact and avoid purchasing a bird
with packaging that has rips or tears.
Save on supermarket specials by purchasing more than one turkey. A
whole frozen turkey may be stored in your freezer for up to 12
months.
Select the size of turkey based on number of servings needed.
There is no appreciable difference between female (hen) and male
(tom) turkeys in tenderness, white/dark meat ratio or other eating
qualities. Hens typically weigh between 14 to 16 pounds and toms 15
pounds on up, so choose the size which best fits the number of
dinner guests you expect.
Select alternative turkey cuts if you are having a small gathering
for the holiday. Other turkey products that are readily available
include a turkey breast, tenderloins, cutlets, drumsticks or thighs.
Or ask your butcher to cut a whole fresh bird in two halves, roast
one half and freeze the other half for a later occasion.
Whether purchasing a fresh or frozen turkey, consumers can be
confident they are buying a quality product. The decision of which
to purchase is based on personal preference in price and
convenience. Oven-ready fresh and frozen birds are tucked into snug,
air and water resistant plastic wraps immediately following
processing. Air is removed as bags are sealed and shrunk so they fit
the turkey almost as tightly as its own skin.
Frozen turkeys are flash frozen immediately after processing to 0
degrees F or below and held at that temperature until packaged. The
meat, once defrosted, is virtually at the same freshness as the day
it was processed.
Fresh turkeys are deep chilled after packaging. They have a shorter
shelf life and are, therefore, usually more expensive.
Whether you buy a fresh or frozen turkey, proper cooking and
handling of the bird will ensure a delicious holiday meal.
Frozen Turkey:
Store at 0 degrees F or below. Purchase during special value sales and store the bird in the
freezer until the thawing time begins. Thaw under refrigeration, in cold water, or the microwave.
Refrigeration: Allow approximately 24 hours per four to five pounds
to thaw in the refrigerator.
Cold Water: Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound to thaw in cold
water, which is changed every 30 minutes. Do not use warm or hot
water and be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
Microwave: Follow the microwave manufacturer's directions and begin
to roast the turkey immediately following the microwave process.
Fresh Turkey:
Stored at 26 degrees F and above. Purchase for convenience because thawing is not required. Cost may
be slightly more due to special handling required by the store. Order in advance to be assured of availability. Place fresh raw poultry in a refrigerator that maintains 40
degrees F and use it within the time frame on the package label or
freeze the poultry at 0 degrees F.
Hard Chilled/Previously Hard Chilled Turkey:
Stored at temperatures between 0 and 26 degrees F. In late 1997,
new regulations created a separate category for turkeys in this
temperature range, which had previously been labeled fresh. Cooks
should treat this bird with the same care as a fresh bird and
recognize this product has a shorter shelf life than a frozen
product.
OTHER TIPS FOR PURCHASING AND PREPARING TURKEY:
Processors may add convenience or value-added features to whole
turkeys, including pop-up timers, net bags for easy carrying and
self-basting solutions injected into the bird for added flavor.
Consumers can choose which of these options best suit their needs.
Purchase one pound of turkey per person to be served. This formula
allows for the holiday meal plus a little left over for the prized
turkey sandwich.
Ensure that the packaging is intact and avoid purchasing a bird
with packaging that has rips or tears.
Save on supermarket specials by purchasing more than one turkey. A
whole frozen turkey may be stored in your freezer for up to 12
months.
Select the size of turkey based on number of servings needed.
There is no appreciable difference between female (hen) and male
(tom) turkeys in tenderness, white/dark meat ratio or other eating
qualities. Hens typically weigh between 14 to 16 pounds and toms 15
pounds on up, so choose the size which best fits the number of
dinner guests you expect.
Select alternative turkey cuts if you are having a small gathering
for the holiday. Other turkey products that are readily available
include a turkey breast, tenderloins, cutlets, drumsticks or thighs.
Or ask your butcher to cut a whole fresh bird in two halves, roast
one half and freeze the other half for a later occasion.
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