The
Holiday Season doesn’t need to start with a bout of food poisoning! Salmonella
poisoning is a real danger with any type of meat, particularly fowl! Following these easy tips will help insure
you a safe turkey for all to enjoy!
Microwave Technique:
DON’T
TRY!
Even
if your turkey is small enough to cram into your microwave - you don’t want to
even try this method! There are many
different types of microwaves with different power levels that have varied of
levels of proficiency. Even in the
‘Defrost’ mode, microwaves are still cooking, and you would not have your bird
properly salted and/or seasoned.
Cold Water Method:
(A
commonly used method, but many times, this is where the problem begins, because
part of the thawed turkey is not kept at 40 degrees or below and/or not submerged
in the cold water. This can allow dangerous
bacteria to begin and multiply. This method will work, but be cautions!)
Submerge
the turkey still in its original bag in cold water. A good place to thaw a
larger turkey is in a cooler! Sinks may
leave part of the turkey unable to be covered.
Never use hot water because the outer layer of the meat may heat over 40
degrees. This water must be changed
every 30 minutes to make sure it stays cold enough.
Thaw
while turkey is breast side down.
Estimate
30 minutes thawing time per pound in cold water.
Refrigerator Method:
This
is the safest way, and some chiefs swear it is the only way to thaw a turkey!
Refrigerators
are 40 degrees or colder already, which is good. You never want your meat above that temperature
when thawing anyway.
Leave
the turkey in its original wrapper and place in a pan, as juices from the
frozen bird will leak out. Keep these
juices from other foods in your refrigerator because they could contaminate
them. So thawing on a bottom shelf is a
good idea. Allow 24 hours for every 4-5
pounds of turkey.
This
method may take up to a few days and take up valuable space in your
refrigerator, especially as the day approaches of your big meal. So planning is
important!
Grocer’s Help Method:
Another
idea to the problem of thawing your turkey is ask your grocer to save you a
fresh turkey or thaw your turkey for you!
Good advice!
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