The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not washing your turkey before cooking it: Doing so can cause the raw juices from the bird to contaminate your countertops, utensils and other foods, and that can make you sick.
Do you need to rinse a turkey before cooking?
The CDC says not to wash or rinse raw turkey since its juices can spread in the kitchen and contaminate other foods, utensils and countertops.
What happens if you don’t rinse a turkey?
With Thanksgiving almost here, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued tips on the safest way to prepare your turkey. First of all, you should not wash or rinse your bird. That may seem counterintuitive, but washing the turkey can spread germs and bacteria all over your kitchen.
How do you clean a turkey before cooking?
Use this expert-recommended hand-washing technique. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and follow guidelines for cutting board care. Remove the giblets from the bird and pat the cavity dry with paper towels. Check for any feather quills that may still be connected to the turkey’s skin and pluck them out.
Do you rinse out the turkey cavity?
If you plan on serving a brined turkey this year, there are actions to take to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. The USDA recommends that if you must rinse the turkey and clean out the cavity, first take the time to remove dishes, dish drainers, dish towels, sponges and other objects from around the sink area.
Can you season a turkey the night before?
You can season your turkey the night before or as far in advance as two days. Salt is a great (and non-negotiable) place to start, but there are so many seasonings that really rev up the flavor of a bland bird.
How far ahead can you thaw a turkey?
So, if the turkey weighs 4 to 12 pounds, plan for it to defrost in the fridge for one to three days. If it’s 12 to 16 pounds, make sure it’s placed in the fridge three to four days before the holiday arrives.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.
Should I cook my turkey covered or uncovered?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.
Should you rinse a Butterball turkey?
Food safety experts say raw turkeys shouldn’t be rinsed, since that can spread harmful bacteria. Cooking should kill any germs. But bacteria can still spread in other ways, so washing and sanitizing hands and surfaces is still important.
How soon do you need to clean a turkey?
Field dress the bird as soon as possible and for the rest you should be okay to get it ready for the freezer or the table when you get home. Fortunately, 90 minutes is generally not an issue. Once home, you can pluck the feathers and clean the turkey in cold water. By the way, Bonne Appetite!