Thawing
Never thaw turkey at room temperature. Leave your JD Farms turkey in its original packaging and follow one of these methods:
Cold Water Method
- Keep the turkey in its original wrapping.
- In a large container, cover the turkey completely with cold water.
- Change the water at least every hour.
- Allow 1 hour of thawing time per pound (2 hours/kg).
Refrigerator Method
This method of thawing a turkey is the safest, as it keeps the meat cold until it is completely defrosted. Health Canada recommends that your refrigerator is set at 4°C (40°F).
- Keep the turkey in its original wrapping.
- Place turkey on a tray on a bottom shelf in refrigerator.
- Allow 5 hours of thawing time per pound (10 hours/kg).
Once thawed, keep your turkey refrigerated and cook within 48 hours.
Preparing
Wash hands thoroughly with hot soapy water before and after handling raw turkey. All materials used for storage, preparation and serving JD Farms turkey must also be cleaned before and after use. Remove plastic wrap from your turkey. Remove giblets and neck from body cavity.
Stuffing
Stuffing is most easily prepared separately and placed in a covered casserole dish to cook during the last hour of the JD Farms turkey roasting time. For those who prefer to stuff their JD Farms turkey, follow these simple directions:
Prepare stuffing and spoon into body cavity just before roasting. Do not pack stuffing – let it sit loosely in cavity to promote even cooking.
Never stuff your JD Farms turkey the day before it is roasted. It takes too long to heat the centre of the chilled stuffing and food spoilage organisms could accumulate.
