BUTTERBALL'S
TOP 10
LIST OF TURKEY QUESTIONS continued...
8. What do you need to
do to a turkey just before roasting it?
Answer:
- Remove original plastic wrapper
from thawed or fresh turkey.
- Remove the neck and giblets
from the body and neck cavities.
- Drain juices and blot turkey
dry with paper towels.
- Stuff the turkey (optional)
just before roasting; ingredients may be prepared earlier, but
keep moist and dry ingredients separate and combine just before
stuffing.
- Return legs to tucked position,
if untucked for cleaning or stuffing.
- Insert oven-safe meat thermometer
into the deepest part of the thigh.
- Brush with oil to prevent drying
of the skin.
- Follow roasting directions that
come with every Butterball turkey.
9. Is it necessary to
baste a turkey?
Answer: No.
- Basting throughout the roasting
process is unnecessary. Pouring juices over a turkey's surface
while it roasts will not make the meat juicier. The liquid penetrates
only about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch beneath the skin and most of
the juice will run off into the pan. Opening the oven door periodically
to baste a turkey can cool the oven and possibly lengthen the
roasting time.
- Before roasting, lightly coat
the turkey's skin with oil, shortening or vegetable cooking spray
to prevent the skin from drying.
10. What's the proper
way to stuff a turkey?
Answer: Generations of Americans have been enjoying
turkeys -- stuffed and unstuffed. Whether you choose to stuff
your turkey or cook stuffing in a casserole dish is a matter
of personal preference.
As with any preparation involving
raw food ingredients, it's important to carefully follow proper
food safety and handling procedures to ensure a safe turkey every
time. For consumers who choose to stuff their turkey, we recommend
the following four guidelines:
- Prepare stuffing just before
placing in turkey. Use only cooked ingredients in stuffing --
sauté vegetables, use only cooked meats and seafood (oysters)
and use pasteurized egg products instead of raw eggs. Place prepared
stuffing in turkey just before roasting. Do not stuff the turkey
the night before roasting.
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