What are some regional trends in the preparation of whole turkey?
Professional chefs across the United States feature whole turkey in ways that reflect regional cooking. In the Florida Keys, chefs place aromatic oranges or lemons and limes in the cavity of the roasted bird. In the Southwest, poblano and ancho chilies may be used in a paste that yields a bit of heat to the mild flavored turkey. In the Northeast, many chefs brine turkeys in a salt, sugar and water mixture prior to roasting. The Cajun style of deep-frying a whole turkey with Cajun spices has gained popularity in much of the rest of the country.
Professional chefs across the United States feature whole turkey in ways that reflect regional cooking. In the Florida Keys, chefs place aromatic oranges or lemons and limes in the cavity of the roasted bird. In the Southwest, poblano and ancho chilies may be used in a paste that yields a bit of heat to the mild flavored turkey. In the Northeast, many chefs brine turkeys in a salt, sugar and water mixture prior to roasting. The Cajun style of deep-frying a whole turkey with Cajun spices has gained popularity in much of the rest of the country. • What does “truss” mean? Truss means to secure the turkey with string, skewers or clamps/pins so that it maintains its shape during oven roasting. Many of the turkeys produced for today’s market feature a band of skin or a metal or plastic clamp to hold the legs together. If this feature is not offered on the turkey you purchase, you may tie the legs together using oven-safe kitchen string. However, a turkey does not have to be trussed before it
Professional chefs across the United States feature whole turkey in ways that reflect regional cooking. In the Florida Keys, chefs place aromatic oranges or lemons and limes in the cavity of the roasted bird. In the Southwest, poblano and ancho chilies may be used in a paste that yields a bit of heat to the mild flavored turkey. In the Northeast, many chefs brine turkeys in a salt, sugar and water mixture prior to roasting. The Cajun style of deep-frying a whole turkey with Cajun spices has gained popularity in much of the rest of the country. • Are turkeys fed with hormones or drugs? All turkeys are both hormone and steroid free. No hormones have been approved for use in turkeys. Genetic improvements, better feed formulation and modern management practices are responsible for the larger turkeys produced today. FDA approved antibiotics are used at times to help suppress microorganisms, prevent disease and ensure that consumers receive a healthy product. A withdrawal period is required
