2005 Year in Review

Turkey - Fresh or Frozen

Source: Jananne Finck, Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness, finckj@uiuc.edu

Thanksgiving is coming and the big question many face is whether to buy a fresh or frozen turkey? Jananne Finck, University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator, shares a few tips from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

For fresh turkey, allow 1 pound of turkey per person, but buy your turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it. Keep it stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. This is done to prevent possible cross-contamination from the bird to other food in your refrigerator. Lastly, do not buy fresh pre-stuffed turkey. If not handled properly, USDA states any harmful bacteria that may be in the stuffing can multiply very quickly.

You can buy frozen pre-stuffed turkeys, but USDA recommends only buying frozen pre-stuffed turkeys that display the USDA or State mark of inspection on the packaging. These turkeys are safe because they have been processed under controlled conditions. DO NOT THAW pre-stuffed turkeys before cooking. Cook from the frozen state. Follow package directions for proper handling and cooking. Allow 1 ¼ pounds of turkey per person when cooking frozen pre-stuffed turkey.

For whole frozen turkey, not stuffed, allow 1 pound of turkey per person. Keep it frozen until you're ready to thaw it. The whole unstuffed turkey can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within 1 year for best quality.

For more information on handling turkey, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MFHotline (1-888-674-6854) or visit the FSIS/USDA website at Food Safety and Inspection Service.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 7, 2005