The following article will teach you how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey without a turkey cooker. The term “turkey” as used in this article may refer to either turkey poults or turkey breasts. Additionally, “domestic” and “wild” turkeys are mentioned in this article, and you should know the differences between the two. Please read on and enjoy your meal!
What is a Thanksgiving Turkey?
A Thanksgiving turkey is a domesticated turkey that is eaten during the holiday season. Unlike most turkeys, which are bred primarily for their meat, most Thanksgiving turkeys are bred for their plumpness. Because of this, they usually have a lot more volume than usual. This makes them easier to carve and more delicious if cooked correctly. Additionally, most turkeys are bred to have longer legs and thicker, meatless wings to allow them to walk around more comfortably. If you are unfamiliar, a plump, juicy turkey with long legs is the perfect medium for stuffing and baking.
Should You Eat Domesticated or Wild Turkeys?
The differences between domesticated and wild turkeys are subtle but can be important. For the sake of this article, we will refer to both as “turkeys.” When you’re buying a turkey, look for the terms “domesticated” or “born and raised” to know whether or not it is safe to eat. Wild turkeys are considered to be more nutritious than domesticated turkeys and are sometimes higher in cholesterol. However, they are usually more expensive to purchase and are more difficult to cook. If you are getting a turkey as part of a Thanksgiving meal, it is usually best to opt for the domesticated variety.
How Do You Cook A Thanksgiving Turkey?
There are several ways to cook a turkey, and just like with many other kinds of meat, the method you choose will affect the end result. The most common way involves brining. In this process, a turkey is usually soaked in a pickle brine or seasoned saltwater for several hours before cooking. This adds a lot of flavor to the bird and makes it more succulent. If you are planning on baking a turkey, you should opt for a smaller variety that will fit in the oven without overflowing. The aforementioned longer legs, bigger breasts, and thicker walls make the larger varieties ideal for stuffing. Once your turkey is cooked, remove the bird from the oven and let it rest for at least ten minutes before carving. This ensures that the juices redistribute and stay closer to the surface, making the meat more tender.
If you want to learn more about the differences between different varieties of turkeys, how they are raised, and which one is best suited for which method of cooking, then check out this informative article from our friends at Urban Organic Yield. For more information on brining and baking turkeys, keep reading below!