Preparing the ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast is an hours-long process. You’ll want to scrub potatoes, soak the broccoli in salt water and re-wash the pre-washed lettuce. Because washing fruits and vegetables is the right way to avoid unwelcome bacteria, it only makes sense that you should wash your turkey as well, right?
It turns out washing your turkey is not the proper way to avoid bacteria. In fact, it’s actually making the situation a whole lot worse.
Why Is Washing a Turkey So Dangerous?
It may seem like a clean process, but washing a 15-pound turkey causes a lot of splashing near the kitchen sink. The backsplash coming off the turkey could mean contamination of food that will be placed on the counter later. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), any raw poultry can cross-contaminate other food with harmful bacteria and potentially cause food poisoning.
How to Prep Turkey Safely
Your Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t have to put the family at risk. It’s important to make sure your turkey is handled safely. The USDA makes the following recommendations:
- Disinfect your countertops with hot, soapy water before you prep the bird. Learn how to clean granite countertops.
- Wash your hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling the turkey. Use this expert-recommended technique.
- Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and follow guidelines for cutting board care.
- Remember to remove the giblets from the bird and pat the cavity dry with paper towels.
- Check for any feather quills that may still be connected to the turkey’s skin and pluck them out.
- Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, countertop or other surface that previously held raw turkey.
- Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing the bird.
It’s also smart to keep raw turkey away from other foods you are buying at the grocery store, and keep it separate from other foods when defrosting in the refrigerator. If you’re still itching to clean your turkey before roasting it, patting it dry with paper towels will also work.
How to Cook Turkey Safely
It’s simple—cooking the turkey to the right temperature is the best way to keep people safe from food poisoning. Use a meat thermometer to make sure turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165° F, which is high enough to kill the germs that would make people sick.
Make sure you test the turkey at its thickest part (usually the thigh), and if the bird is not quite cooked, make sure you wash your meat thermometer in hot, soapy water before testing again.
Still have questions about the bird? Follow our step-by-step guide to cooking a turkey!
Homemade Turkey Soup
You can make the most of even the smallest pieces of leftover meat on your holiday turkey with this homemade turkey soup. I simmer the bones to get the rich flavor, then easily remove any meat that remains. I add rice, vegetables and cream soup for a hearty turkey soup that's tasty and economical. —June Sangrey, Manheim, Pennsylvania Wondering how long that leftover turkey will last? Here's a handy guide that'll let you know when it's time to toss.
Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini
I make this recipe with leftover turkey, and it's a whole new meal! We look forward to having it after Christmas and Thanksgiving and other times when I roast a turkey for a family gathering. —Susan Payne, Corner Brook, Newfoundland
Crescent Turkey Casserole
How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables really appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic, but won’t take much time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota If leftovers aren't your thing, check out our favorite Thanksgiving turkey recipes.
White Turkey Chili
Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas
Turkey Biscuit Stew
This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Crispy Mashed Potato & Stuffing Patties
Talk about a fun way to use holiday leftovers! Making this turkey and stuffing patty is so fast. The family looks forward to this breakfast treat every year. —Kellie Ferea, Casa Grande, Arizona Want more options? Here are even more delicious recipe ideas for leftover turkey.
Mexican Turkey Roll-Ups
This is the perfect recipe when you're hungry for a dish with Mexican flavor and want to use turkey. These roll-ups are fun and so tasty, even kids like them. It's a different use for leftover turkey. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Dilly Turkey Melt
This is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois
Cream of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
A dear friend brought me some of this soup when I was ill—and it instantly hit the spot. I asked her for the recipe and I've made it several times since, especially when I have leftover turkey to use up. Now I like to take it to friends when they're not feeling well. It's just the filling meal to warm you up on a cold, wintry day! —Doris Cox, New Freedom, Pennsylvania
Turkey Spaghetti Casserole
My mom made this creamy comforting dish when I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple, yet tasty, filling dish. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, OhioThe post Should You Wash Your Turkey? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Taste of Home.
source https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/do-not-do-this-to-your-turkey/
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