The turkey I purchased had something that looked like a plastic “button” in the breast. What is it, should I remove it before cooking the turkey?.
The “button” you referred to is a pop-up temperature indicator, commonly called a Pop-Up Timer. No, the Pop-Up Timer should not be removed before cooking. This thermometer is precisely positioned to assure that your food will be cooked correctly.
When the meat around it reaches a certain temperature, a stainless steel spring inside a nylon tube releases, causing the timer to “pop-up.”
Yes. Strict quality control procedures are followed during the manufacturing of Pop-Up Timers to create sensitive thermometers that are accurate and dependable to within 1-2 degrees F.
I calculated the cooking time for my turkey using the weight/cooking time chart. However, the Pop-Up Timer “popped” before the recommended time on the chart, why?.
The weight/cooking time chart calculates how long it will take different turkey weights to reach a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit in the deepest area of the thigh using a traditional meat thermometer. The turkey may pop before the suggested times on the roasting chart because the Pop-Up timer precisely measures the turkey’s temperature.
It takes more than just using a cooking chart to ensure that the bird is cooked through and not overdone. Recommended cooking techniques must also be followed. Dark roasting pans cook faster than shiny metal. Deep roasting pans reduce heat circulation to all areas of the bird. Covering too much of the bird with foil slows down the cooking process. The oven may not be calibrated for accurate temperature.
The Timer is inserted in the turkey breast by one of our butchers at time of collection.
Yes, the Pop-Up Timer will accurately gauge the temperature of the turkey. To be sure the stuffing has reached 165 degrees F, it is advised that you place a traditional meat thermometer in the center of the stuffing as there are numerous factors that can affect its temperature.
Yes. While basting a turkey is not required, you are welcome to use the juices that accumulate in the roasting pan to do so if you so choose. However opening the oven for basting may effect the cooking time.
Yes, we currently supply Pop-Up Timers in all our roasting cuts of Beef, Lamb, Pork & Chicken.
Are the Pop-Up Timers used in meat products other than turkey calibrated for different temperatures to activate?
Yes, Pop-Up Timers were designed to be used with beef, pork, and chicken. You are here:
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, the centerpiece of the feast: the turkey. But wait, what’s that plastic thing holding its legs together? Should you remove it before cooking? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of turkey leg restraints and uncover the truth behind this culinary mystery.
The Identity of the Plastic Intruder: Meet the Hock Lock
That unassuming plastic band encasing your turkey’s legs is called a hock lock. Its primary purpose is to keep the bird’s legs neatly tucked in during processing and packaging, ensuring a presentable appearance on grocery store shelves.
Some turkeys may also sport a pop-up indicator, a small plastic device embedded in the breast that pops up when the turkey reaches a specific internal temperature signaling its doneness. While convenient, relying solely on this indicator is not recommended. A trusty meat thermometer remains the gold standard for accurate temperature readings.
To Remove or Not to Remove: The Great Hock Lock Debate
Now, the burning question: should you remove the hock lock before cooking your turkey? The answer, like most things in life, is not a simple yes or no.
Here’s the breakdown:
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Safety First: Most hock locks are made of heat-resistant nylon, safe for oven temperatures below 500°F However, some may contain metal components, requiring removal before cooking Always check the packaging for specific instructions.
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Uneven Cooking: Leaving the hock lock on can hinder the even distribution of heat, potentially resulting in undercooked legs, the most coveted part of the bird! Removing it allows for better heat penetration and ensures juicy, perfectly cooked legs.
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Cleaning and Stuffing: A trussed-up turkey can be a challenge to clean and stuff. Removing the hock lock simplifies these tasks, making your Thanksgiving prep a breeze.
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Temperature Accuracy: Pop-up indicators can be unreliable, especially when using alternative cooking methods like smoking. A meat thermometer remains the most reliable tool for ensuring your turkey is cooked to perfection.
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Deep Frying: If you’re planning on deep-frying your turkey, all plastic components, including the hock lock and pop-up indicator, must be removed beforehand to prevent melting and potential contamination.
The Verdict: While not a safety hazard, removing the hock lock offers several advantages: more even cooking, easier cleaning and stuffing, and greater control over the cooking process. However, the final decision rests in your hands, brave culinary adventurer.
Removing the Plastic Intruder: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve decided to liberate your turkey from its plastic shackles. Here’s how to do it like a seasoned pro:
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Gather your tools: Grab a pair of sturdy kitchen shears or scissors. Remember, these will come in contact with raw poultry, so ensure proper cleaning afterward.
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Snip and conquer: Locate the hock lock at the base of the turkey’s legs. Using your shears, carefully cut the plastic band, applying firm pressure as needed.
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Pop-up indicator removal: If present, the pop-up indicator can usually be pulled out with ease if the turkey is properly thawed. If not, use a sharp knife to gently loosen it from its surrounding tissue.
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Double-check: Before placing your turkey in the oven or smoker, ensure no stray plastic parts remain, especially the giblets bag. Melted plastic can release harmful chemicals, so vigilance is key.
Additional Turkey Safety Tips: Mastering the Thanksgiving Feast
Now that your turkey is free from its plastic束缚, let’s equip you with some essential turkey safety tips to ensure a delicious and hazard-free Thanksgiving feast:
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165°F is the magic number: No matter the cooking method, ensure the turkey’s internal temperature, specifically in the breast, reaches 165°F. This eliminates any risk of foodborne illness.
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Prompt refrigeration is key: After the feasting frenzy, resist the urge to linger at the table for hours. Within two hours of removing the turkey from the oven, refrigerate it to maintain food safety.
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Leftovers have a lifespan: While tempting to savor those Thanksgiving leftovers for weeks, food safety dictates otherwise. Consume leftover turkey within 3-4 days of cooking. For longer storage, consider freezing the bounty.
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Rest for the best: When the turkey reaches its target temperature, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
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Temperature probe is your ally: Remove the turkey from the oven when the probe reads 160°-165°F in the breast. For those who prefer well-done dark meat, remove the breasts at 165°F and continue cooking the rest of the bird to 180°F.
The next time you encounter that plastic thing in your turkey, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Whether you choose to remove it or not, remember to prioritize food safety and embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving with a delicious and memorable feast. Happy cooking!
How to Unwrap a Turkey: Thanksgiving Recipes – Melissa Clark | The New York Times
FAQ
Do you leave the plastic thing in the turkey?
What is the little plastic thing in a turkey?
Can you trust the pop-up timer in a turkey?
What is the plastic thing holding turkey legs together?
Most Times It’s Up to You… So what is the plastic thing holding turkey legs together, anyway? This plastic “thing” is often referred to as a “hock lock”. Upon opening your turkey, you’ll usually find one of these contraptions on the turkey’s legs. They are often made of thick plastic, but occasionally, they are made of metal.
Can you throw out a turkey if you melt plastic?
Melting plastic can release dangerous chemicals, and as difficult as it may seem to throw out a turkey you’ve worked so hard on, you must do so for the safety of your friends and family, which is why it is essential to check the turkey for the giblets bag in advance.
Is it safe to use a plastic bag for giblets & poultry?
If the plastic bag was not altered, the giblets and poultry should be safe to use as long as the meat is fully cooked. The plastic bone guard covering the exposed bone is used to keep the bone from breaking the outer wrap.