The Right Way to Take the Temperature of Your Turkey
The government recommends cooking turkey breast to 165°F (74°C). I prefer my turkey breast at 150°F (66°F), at which point it is far, far juicier (especially if you dry brine it!)..
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How long does it take a turkey to go from 140 to 165?
165 is essentially the instant kill temperature. You can kill the germs at lower temperatures than 165 but it takes longer.
165 is a lie! Here Are the Real Temps and Times to Cook Your Turkey Safely (from the USDA)
| Temperature (°F) | Time for Chicken | Time for Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| 140 | 35min | 33.7min |
• Nov 20, 2020
What temp kills salmonella in turkey?
The USDA reports that heating poultry to at least 165°F destroys Salmonella, Campylobacter bacteria, and avian influenza viruses. That’s because, above a certain temperature, the bacteria’s cell will collapse and die.
How do I know if my turkey is undercooked?
If your guests doubt you, fear not. Instead, gently remind them that undercooked turkey is squishy and soft with a pallid hue while properly cooked turkey is firm, albeit with the chance of a slightly pinkish tinge at the joints.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark. Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.
Can turkey be slightly pink?
Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink.
Can you eat turkey at 160 degrees?
According to the Department of Agriculture, a turkey must reach 165 degrees F to be safe, but you can take it out of the oven as low as 160 degrees F because the temperature will rise at it rests.
How long should you let turkey rest?
Thanksgiving Help Line
Pull it out as soon as the temperature hits 165, or even a little lower. The amount of resting time depends on the size of the bird, but at least 20 minutes is needed. A large bird can wait up to 40 minutes or longer, depending on the temperature of the room.
Where do you stick thermometer in turkey? When preparing a whole turkey, insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the turkey breast, the innermost portion of thigh and the innermost portion of the wing. Make sure the thermometer does not touch bone, gristle or the pan.
Is Pink turkey OK to eat?
The best way to be sure a turkey — or any meat — is cooked safely and done is to use a meat thermometer. If the temperature of the turkey, as measured in the thigh, has reached 180°F. and is done to family preference, all the meat — including any that remains pink — is safe to eat.
What is the danger zone when smoking a turkey?
Turkey breasts, drumsticks, wings, and whole turkeys are all suited for smoking, although for safety’s sake, stick with whole turkeys that weigh 12 pounds or less. Turkey is in the “Danger Zone,” where bacteria grows the fastest, between 40°F and 140°F.
Can turkey be eaten medium rare?
Can You Eat Turkey Burgers Medium-Rare? What is this? No. All poultry needs to be cooked to at least 165 degrees before it’s safe to consume.
What happens if I eat undercooked turkey?
People can get a Salmonella infection from eating undercooked turkey or touching raw turkey, including packaged raw pet food. Always cook turkey thoroughly. Get CDC’s tips to prevent foodborne illness from turkey. CDC continues to monitor the PulseNet database for illnesses and work with states to interview ill people.
How long can you hold meat at 140?
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), meat must be held above 140°F in order to be safe. You can hold cooked meat above this temperature for 2-4 hours or longer by using an empty cooler.
What temp kills Salmonella in turkey? The USDA reports that heating poultry to at least 165°F destroys Salmonella, Campylobacter bacteria, and avian influenza viruses. That’s because, above a certain temperature, the bacteria’s cell will collapse and die.
Is pink turkey safe to eat? The best way to be sure a turkey — or any meat — is cooked safely and done is to use a meat thermometer. If the temperature of the turkey, as measured in the thigh, has reached 180°F. and is done to family preference, all the meat — including any that remains pink — is safe to eat.
What is the danger zone for turkey?
When a turkey stays out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, its temperature becomes unsafe even if the center is still frozen. Germs can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
What is the lowest temperature you can safely cook a turkey?
It is not safe to cook any meat or poultry in an oven set lower than 325 °F. At lower temperatures, meat stays in the Danger Zone (between 40 °F and 140°F for too long.
How long does it take for a turkey to get salmonella?
Salmonella: Poultry and Eggs
Symptoms include stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.
Can undercooked turkey make you sick?
People can get a Salmonella infection from eating undercooked turkey or touching raw turkey, including packaged raw pet food. Always cook turkey thoroughly. Get CDC’s tips to prevent foodborne illness from turkey. CDC continues to monitor the PulseNet database for illnesses and work with states to interview ill people.
What temperature kills all bacteria in turkey?
No matter if you’re serving the full turkey, pieces and parts, ground turkey burgers, turkey casseroles, or turkey sausage, it must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees to kill harmful germs.
What happens if you eat slightly undercooked turkey?
What Happens If You Eat Undercooked Turkey? Consuming undercooked poultry could lead to salmonella, a type of food poisoning. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping. The illness could be evident as soon as 12 hours later, or it could take up to 3 days to manifest itself.
What temperature is bacteria killed on turkey?
Washing raw meat or poultry can splash bacteria around the sink, across countertops, and into already prepared foods. If you cook the turkey to the correct internal temperature (165°F/74°C), any bacteria will be killed, making washing an unnecessary step.
Is slightly pink turkey OK to eat? The best way to be sure a turkey — or any meat — is cooked safely and done is to use a meat thermometer. If the temperature of the turkey, as measured in the thigh, has reached 180°F. and is done to family preference, all the meat — including any that remains pink — is safe to eat.
