1. What is the Difference between Mary's Antibiotic Free, Mary's NonGMO, Mary's Organic and Mary's Heritage Turkey?
Each type offers a unique combination of diet, living conditions, and breed characteristics, which can influence the taste, texture, and overall quality of the meat. Click Here for more details
2. What are the turkeys fed?
Click Here
3. Why does this turkey appear to be frozen even though it's labeled as fresh?
To comply with USDA standards and ensure their freshness, safety, and quality, a process known as "deep chill" is utilized. Unlike water, which freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, poultry begins to freeze at temperatures slightly below 26 degrees. By chilling the turkey to a temperature between 28 and 30 degrees, small water droplets on the turkey's surface freeze, creating a protective ice coating. This layer helps maintain the meat's freshness. The turkey might feel firm due to this ice layer. Retailers are recommended to store these turkeys at temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 degrees to keep them fresh.
4. How can I take off the plastic clip that's securing the turkey's legs?
Detach each drumstick that is held in place by a plastic clip. For the remaining section, push the entire plastic clip into the cavity and turn it to the right. Click here to watch Mary.
5. Having trouble locating the giblets?
There are two ends to the turkey. The giblets can be found in the neck cavity, while the neck is located in the breast cavity. Watch Mary remove the Giblets.
6. How long do you roast a turkey?
Roasting Times
7. What size turkey should I buy?
Do you desire leftovers? If not, aim for approximately ¾ lb. per person. But if you do want leftovers (and who doesn't enjoy turkey sandwiches?), then you should calculate between 1 to 2 lbs. per person.
8. Is it advisable to use a Pop Up Timer?
We do not recommend relying on a pop-up timer, as they can be quite inaccurate if placed incorrectly. Instead, it's better to use a meat thermometer. Different Type of Thermometers.
9. Is it suitable to use the convection oven setting for cooking a turkey?
We advise against using the convection setting for cooking a turkey. It can lead to the turkey cooking too quickly and becoming dry. If you do choose to use a convection oven, proceed with caution."
10. Is it okay to cook my turkey in a turkey bag?
Yes, turkey bags are excellent for cooking a turkey. They might lead to a slightly faster cooking time compared to traditional roasting methods. It's important to still use a thermometer to ensure proper cooking. Make sure to follow the instructions provided with the turkey bag. As long as you don't overcook it, the turkey should come out moist.
11. Why do some cookbooks suggest longer cooking times for turkey?
This is often because they are outdated. Following those extended cooking charts can lead to a dried-out turkey. Once the turkey meat is no longer pink, it's cooked through. Continuing to cook it beyond this point will only make the turkey tough and dry. Unlike some meats that become more tender the longer they cook, turkey tends to get tougher and drier the longer it's cooked."
12. Why do some sources recommend cooking turkey to 180-185 degrees?
Recent research has demonstrated that bacteria in poultry are effectively eliminated at 165 degrees. Therefore, you should not cook your turkey to 180-185 degrees, as this will result in dry meat. Instead, remove the turkey from the oven when the meat thermometer reads 165-170 degrees and allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes. At 165 degrees, the meat near the breast bone may still appear pink but will be very moist. If the pink color is a concern, you can cook the turkey until it reaches 170 degrees in the thigh. Different Type of Thermometers.
13. Do you advise deep frying a turkey?
We do not recommend it, as it can be extremely dangerous. There have been numerous instances of people setting their homes and themselves on fire while attempting this. If you still choose to deep fry your turkey, ensure that it is completely free of ice. Ice coming into contact with hot oil can cause flames to leap up to six feet high."
14. When is the best time to bring home a fresh turkey?
We advise to pick up your turkey 5 to 7 days before you plan to cook it. Home refrigerators tend to be warmer than those in stores. Therefore, it's a good idea to reserve your turkey and collect it 5 to 7 days prior to cooking. Avoid waiting until the day before Thanksgiving
