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How do I pick out a Thanksgiving turkey?
So, I'm making Thanksgiving dinner this year for my family. I've already asked about how to make a delicious Turkey for Thanksgiving, but I left out a very key question.
When purchasing a Thanksgiving turkey, what should I look for? I will be feeding my whole family (5 people total but they eat A WHOLE LOT) so I am now rethinking the size of the turkey I thought would be best. I am also unsure of which brand is best, and if the cheapest is actually the best bargain or not. I'm also curious if all Thanksgiving turkeys come frozen or if some of them are fresher than others. There are also some with pop up thermometers to let me know when the turkey is done cooking, but I'm not entirely sure if they are worth the purchase or if I should just cook the turkey according to my recipe.
I've heard of people purchasing spoiled turkeys from the supermarkets. Even my mother brought home a turkey once and the whole back end of it was BLACK! I want to end up with something GOOD, so I need information before I head out and start choosing turkeys for Thanksgiving! Choosing the right Thanksgiving turkey is already confusing.
So, what should I look for when purchasing a Thanksgiving turkey so I get something delicious that my whole family will love?
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Cooking?
The only thing I can add to the answer below is don't lay your trust in pop-up timers.
My folks have always cooked turkey for so many hours according to the weight. (Not being a turkey cooker, I can't give you that info. DO ask YG. She knows... Her link: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location))
Anyhow, many times, if they would have gone by that timer, their turkey wouldn't have been completely cooked.
YG can also give you advice on the weight you should get, considering she's cooked many Thanksgiving dinners entertaining several family members.
Another bit of advice: Many folks get "bad turkeys" because they don't properly thaw the bird. NEVER thaw the turkey on the counter, in a tub of water, etc. Always put the frozen bird to thaw in your refrigerator 3 or so days in advance.
Best of luck to you! Do follow that link and ask YG in her inbox. She can give you excellent cooking advice!
ygs-30/f
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Ok, this is a very popular question right now, and here are some answers I found from a few other sites
Question- What matters when buying a turkey?
Answer- "The price. Seriously, if you buy a frozen turkey there's not much else to look for except weight and price. They say fresh turkeys are better, but I made one a couple years ago and no one noticed any big improvement over frozen. Its all in the preperation. Turkey's do benefit from brining (soaking in a salt, water mixture, sometimes with spices added), which leaves them tender, juicy and flavorful. Do a net search for "brining turkeys" and you'll find tons of advice on how to do it."
Question- (same question)
Answer- "I buy for the weight, size and feel. I go for Butterballs because they are the ones that are not dry tasting. I love for my turkey to have good color, smell and freshness. This year I did not buy a Butterball because I found a 30 pound one for $10.00. I thought that was a steal!"
So, I don't believe there is really any difference between frozen and free-range ones, which haven't ever been frozen. So, the main things to look at are:
1) The expiration date! A MUST! You do not want to come home with a spoiling turkey!
2) Weight. Get more then you think you'll need :) everyone likes Thanksgiving leftovers!
Really, as the other answer suggested, it depends on the preperation of the turkey :) do some online searching to find a great stuffing and everything else that goes into making it yummy :)
And another thing, make some other stuff for the dinner also :) that way, if the turkey doesn't turn out as good as you wanted, your guests will be distracted by the lovely amount of various foods ha ha :) goodluck! Hope I helped!
-Jessica 14/f
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