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Turkey: Buying, Handling & Thawing
Tips for buying the size turkey you need, handling it safely, and guidelines for thawing it.
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Purchasing
What Size Bird to Buy
- When buying a turkey, allow 1 pound per adult serving if the bird weighs 12 pounds or less.
- For turkeys over 12 pounds, count on 3/4 pound for each serving.
- For boneless turkey breast, figure 1/2 pound per person.
- If you want leftovers, buy a bird that's 2 to 4 pounds larger than the size you'll need for serving.
"Sell By" Date
- Also check for the "sell by" date on the label of a fresh turkey. This date is the last day the turkey should be sold by the retailer.
- The unopened turkey should maintain its quality and be safe to use for one or two days after the "sell by" date.
Frozen Turkey
- If you buy a frozen turkey, look for packaging that is clean, undamaged, and frost-free.
Tip
- Although not all turkeys are labeled indicating whether the bird is a hen or tom, select a hen turkey if you want more white meat and a tom if you want more dark meat.
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Comments ( 4 )Add your comment
This is my first Thanksgiving dinner that I am doing all the work for so I need a little bit of help. I am planning on brining my turkey. It weighs a little over 24lbs. When should I put it to thaw in the refrigirator? I really do appreciate any help that anyone can give me. Please. Thank you so much.
11/17/2009 02:00:00 PM Report Abusedukefan_24@hotmail.com These tips are greatly appreciated, I am nervous this Thanksgiving bc Im somewhat of a newly wed and have always been in the kitchen with my gma and can cook pretty well. I just want to make a nice dinner for my husband and grandparents this year and have never done Thanksgiving on my own!
11/14/2009 07:03:16 PM Report Abusehow long is it safe to keep turkey frozen freezer ?
11/14/2009 07:57:39 AM Report AbuseI need information on cooking a turkey in a convection oven.
10/28/2009 01:33:12 PM Report Abuse