Canning Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide to Preserving Your Thanksgiving Bounty

With the skill of canning turkey, you can turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a gourmet treasure! This in-depth manual will provide you with all the information and methods you require to store your abundance of turkey for many months to come, guaranteeing that you always have delicious, readily consumable protein on hand.

Whether you’re a seasoned canning pro or a curious newbie, this guide will take you through every step of the process, from preparing the turkey to safely canning it and enjoying the fruits (or should we say, poultry) of your labor

Why Can Turkey?

Canning turkey offers a plethora of benefits:

• Extend the shelf life of your Thanksgiving feast: No more throwing away precious turkey after the holiday! Canning allows you to preserve it for up to 18 months, ensuring you can enjoy that delicious flavor throughout the year.
• Convenience at your fingertips: Imagine having pre-cooked, ready-to-use turkey on hand for quick meals, soups, sandwiches, and more. Canning eliminates the need to cook turkey from scratch, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
• Reduce food waste: Instead of discarding leftover turkey, canning allows you to transform it into a valuable resource, reducing your environmental impact and maximizing your food budget.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of self-sufficiency: Canning is a rewarding skill that empowers you to take control of your food preservation and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own delicious pantry staples.

Essential Equipment for Canning Turkey

Before embarking on your canning adventure gather the following essential equipment:

• Pressure canner: This specialized appliance is crucial for safely canning turkey, as it reaches the high temperatures necessary to kill harmful bacteria.
• Canning jars: Choose high-quality canning jars with lids and bands. Opt for pint or quart-sized jars, depending on your desired portion sizes.
• Canning tools: Invest in a jar lifter, canning ladle, funnel, and bubble popper to streamline the canning process.
• Large stockpot: This will be used to heat the turkey stock and sterilize the jars.
• Slotted spoon: This handy tool helps you easily remove turkey pieces from the stockpot.
• Clean kitchen towels: These will be used for drying and handling the jars.

Step-by-Step Canning Turkey Guide

Follow these simple steps to successfully can your turkey:

1. Prepare the Turkey:

• Cook the turkey: Roast the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, you can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
• Remove the meat: Once the turkey is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and cut it into chunks or strips. Avoid shredding the meat, as this can hinder proper heat penetration during canning.
• Make the stock: Use the turkey carcass, skin, and pan drippings to make a flavorful stock. Remove excess fat and chill the stock overnight for easy fat removal.

2. Prepare the Canning Equipment:

• Sterilize the jars: Wash the jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Then, sterilize them in the pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Heat the stock: Bring the turkey stock to a simmer in a large stockpot.
• Heat the meat (if using leftovers): If using leftover turkey, add it to the simmering stock to heat it through.

3. Can the Turkey:

• Fill the jars: Pack the jars loosely with turkey pieces, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top.
• Add the stock: Pour the hot stock over the turkey, leaving 1 inch of headspace.
• Remove air bubbles: Use a bubble popper to remove any trapped air bubbles.
• Wipe the rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp towel to remove any residue.
• Seal the jars: Place the lids and bands on the jars, tightening them fingertip tight.
• Process the jars: Place the jars in the pressure canner and process them according to the recipe instructions below.

4. Cool and Store the Jars:

• Cool the canner: Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the canner cool naturally.
• Remove the jars: Use the jar lifter to remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a clean surface.
• Check the seals: Ensure the jars have sealed properly by pressing on the lids. If they don’t pop back up, the jars are sealed.
• Label and store: Label the jars with the date and contents, and store them in a cool, dark location for up to 18 months.

Delicious Ways to Use Canned Turkey

Canned turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless ways:

• Soups: Add canned turkey to your favorite soup recipe for a hearty and flavorful meal.
• Sandwiches: Create delicious turkey sandwiches with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite seasonings.
• Casseroles: Use canned turkey in casseroles for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
• Pasta dishes: Toss canned turkey with pasta, vegetables, and your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal.
• Salads: Add canned turkey to salads for extra protein and flavor.
• Fried rice: Use canned turkey in fried rice for a quick and easy one-pot meal.
• Fajitas: Replace chicken with drained turkey in fajitas for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
• Turkey salad sandwiches: Combine drained turkey with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and seasonings of choice. Layer in a sandwich or tortilla wrap with lettuce and sliced tomato for a quick lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canning Turkey

Here are some frequently asked questions about canning turkey:

Q: Can I use a water bath canner instead of a pressure canner?

A: No, you cannot use a water bath canner for canning turkey. Meat and poultry must be processed in a pressure canner to achieve the high temperatures necessary to kill harmful bacteria.

Q: How long does canned turkey last?

A: Properly canned turkey will last for up to 18 months when stored in a cool, dark location.

Q: Can I use frozen turkey for canning?

A: Yes, you can use frozen turkey for canning. However, you will need to thaw it completely before canning.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the jars when canning turkey?

A: Yes, you can add vegetables to the jars when canning turkey. However, it is important to use low-acid vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or corn.

Canning turkey is a rewarding and practical way to preserve your Thanksgiving feast and enjoy delicious, ready-to-use protein throughout the year. By following these simple steps and using the right equipment, you can safely and effectively can turkey, ensuring a delicious and convenient addition to your pantry. So, gather your leftover turkey and get ready to experience the joy of canning!