URGENT UPDATE: As Thanksgiving approaches, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line has issued a critical warning to home cooks: do not rely on pop-up timers for turkey preparation. Instead, experts recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and optimal cooking.
Andrea Balitewicz, supervisor of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, emphasizes the importance of accurate cooking temperatures. “A pop-up timer is definitely not accurate,” she stated. “It’s not deep enough in the meat.” Instead, turkey should reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and thigh, while stuffing must hit 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe for consumption.
In a year where many families are opting for traditional and safe cooking methods, the hotline is experiencing a surge in inquiries. Balitewicz notes that one of the most common questions involves the choice between brining and salting a turkey. She advises, “Butterball turkeys are already deep-basted with a light salt solution, so it’s not necessary to brine. Just unwrap it, place it on a rack in your roasting pan, and roast it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.”
For those who may have forgotten to thaw their frozen turkey, the hotline offers a timely tip: “Refresh the water about every 30 minutes, and it’ll thaw one pound for every 30 minutes,” Balitewicz explained.
The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, available at 800-BUTTERBALL, has long been a staple for Thanksgiving preparation advice. However, the team has expanded its services to include an online chat on Butterball.com, Amazon Alexa queries, and a text service at 844-877-3456, making expert help more accessible than ever.
As families prepare for the holiday, it is crucial to follow these expert recommendations to ensure a safe and delicious Thanksgiving feast. For further updates and tips, check Butterball’s official channels, and remember: the right temperature is the key to a perfect turkey!
