How much turkey do we eat a year?
This will amaze you. In 1996, it was estimated that we each ate almost 15 pounds of turkey. Clearly, turkey is heading for our dinner plates more often than just the holidays.
Which is better- a "hen" turkey or a "tom"?
This is an equal opportunity world. And the answer to this question is - they're equally good! Actually, the designation of "hen" (female) or "tom" (male) is optional on the label and is an indication of size. Toms are larger.
What's the nutrient content of turkey?
There's a lot of good news here. Turkey provides a significant amount of protein as well as other nutrients. Fat, saturated fat and cholesterol are also present, with most of the fat being in the skin. A three ounce serving of baked turkey breast with skin has 160 calories, 6 grams of fat, 65 milligrams of cholesterol and 24 grams of prtein. Without skin: 120 calories, 1 gram of fat, 55 milligrams of cholesterol and 26 grams of protein.
How long can you keep turkey in the fridge or freezer?
Fresh whole turkey and fresh turkey parts should be cooked (or frozen) within one to two days of purchase. A whole turkey (uncooked) can be frozen for up to 12 months before quality gradually declines.
When is it "done"?
For tenderness and doneness, the internal temperature, as registered on a meat thermometer, must reach a minimum of 180 degrees F in the innermost part of the thigh before removing the turkey from the oven. For optimum safety and uniform doneness, we recommend cooking stuffing outside the bird. If you do stuff it, the center of the stuffing must reach 165 degrees F before you remove it from the bird.
How about safe grilling and smoking?
More and more people are heading outdoors to cook the turkey, so it is important to know how to do it safely.
When you grill remember that cooking times vary, depending on many factors, including the size of the turkey and the distance from the coals. We recommend that you don't stuff the turkey. It will cook more evenly and safely without it. Replenish the grill with approximately 15 briquettes every hour. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer in the innter thigh reaches 180 degrees F.
When you smoke you are using both heat and moisture to cook your food. So, be sure to add liquid to the drip pan. Be aware that some smokers has a built-in temperature indicator. If yours doesn't, place an appliance thermometer on the food rack to monitor the air temperature.
When the thermometer reaches 225 to 300 degrees F, place the turkey on the rack, and quickly replace the cover. As with grilling, we recommend that you don't stuff the turkey. Because your're take too long for heat to reach the stuffing.
Smoking takes longer than grilling, so follow the manufacturer's estimated cooking times. Add fresh charcoal every hour to maintain temperture of 225 to 300 degrees F and ensure smoke. Also add liquid to the water pan as needed. As with grilling, the turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the inner thigh reaches 180 degrees F.
How long can you keep cooked turkey?
Cooked turkey and cooked turkey dishes can be kept in the refrigator for three to four days. After than, freeze them or pitch them. Cooked turkey will maintain quality in the freezer for four months, turkey dishes for four to six months.
