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NTF Dishes on Making the Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey
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NTF Dishes on Making the Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey

WASHINGTON — The National Turkey Federation (NTF) believes that planning ahead is the key to getting the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, and that’s why the group has offered tips and tricks for purchasing and preparing a turkey for the upcoming holiday .

“Turkey holds a unique and historic place in American culture and takes center stage at the Thanksgiving table,” said Leslee Oden, president and CEO of the NTF. “America’s turkey producers are proud to offer our nation’s consumers a tremendous variety of turkey products this Thanksgiving. From whole birds to finer cuts, turkey products are hitting supermarket shelves across the country, ensuring that every American can have a Thanksgiving feast with turkey on the table. We encourage everyone to learn more about how to prepare a delicious turkey and ensure a perfect holiday meal.

If consumers are looking for a particular weight or style of turkey, NTF recommends quickly contacting a local retailer to find out when those products will be available.

Good food safety is another important element to consider. Four basic food safety practices will help ensure a safe Thanksgiving meal:

  • Clean: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure surfaces are clean before and after handling raw turkey.
  • Separate: Avoid cross-contamination by using different cutting boards to separate raw turkey from other ingredients that require prep work.
  • Cooking: Cook the turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, as measured by a food thermometer. By reaching the specific temperature, consumers can rest assured that all bacteria have been killed.
  • Refrigerate: Immediately after eating, refrigerate leftovers and use or freeze within three to four days.

Additionally, NTF noted that you should never rinse a turkey, as this could spread bacteria that may be present in the kitchen.

NTF Thanksgiving 101 The online resource offers a complete guide to preparing a turkey for the holidays, including how to defrost a turkey, prepare a whole turkey, how to carve a turkey, cook a turkey, and check the temperature of a turkey. Thanksgiving 101 is a hub for everything commonly looked for when preparing a turkey and includes a variety of recipes to explore. NTF offers how-to guides for cooking traditional roast turkey as well as unique techniques like fried turkey and smoked turkey.

If consumers are looking to transform their leftover Thanksgiving turkey, NTF has that, too, with several recipes to try, whether making the ultimate sandwich with leftovers or getting innovative with an egg roll. eggs after Thanksgiving.

Freezing leftover turkey is a great way to preserve leftovers longer and save on the grocery bill, NTF said. It’s best to freeze turkey within a day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. Turkey can freeze for up to six months if properly handled, packaged and frozen.