Honeysuckle White®

Cooking

Is it safer to cook stuffing separately?

We recommend preparing stuffing separately.

What color should the skin be?

Skin color of raw turkey ranges from off-white to cream-colored. Under the skin, color can vary from pink to lavender-blue, depending on the amount of subcutaneous fat. When testing doneness of cooked turkey, rubbery pink meat and pink juices are a sign that the turkey needs more cooking time. If the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 180° F at the thickest part of the thigh, the juices have no pink color and the meat is tender but has a pink color, it should be safe to eat. The pink color in safely cooked turkey is due to the hemoglobin in its tissues, which can form a heat-stable color. This can occur with smoked, grilled or oven-cooked turkey. See the next question for more information.

Is it safe to eat turkey meat that's pink?

The color of cooked meat and poultry isn't always a good indicator of doneness. Using a meat thermometer is the only accurate way to determine that meat has reached a safe temperature. Turkey, fresh pork, ground beef or veal can remain pink even after cooking to temperatures of 160° F and higher. Smoked turkey meat is always pink.

Can a turkey be roasted overnight at a low temperature?

For food-safety reasons, the turkey industry doesn't recommend roasting a turkey at a temperature lower then 325° F, where harmful bacteria thrive.

Can I partially roast my whole turkey the day before and complete the roasting just before the meal?

For food-safety reasons, The National Turkey Federation does not recommend partially roasting a whole turkey. Partially cooked meat and stuffing are ideal mediums for bacteria growth.

How can I tell if meat is grilled thoroughly?

Meat and poultry cooked on the grill often browns very fast on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature. Whole poultry should reach 180° F; breasts, 170° F. Never partially grill meat or poultry and finish cooking later. Cook food completely to destroy harmful bacteria.