If theres one thing ubiquitous with the American holiday of Thanksgiving, its eating turkey. Millions of people throughout the United States sit down to a big meal that typically includes turkey as one of the main courses. Dining on a big roasted or fried bird has been a staple for centuries because turkey is one of the foods believed to have been shared between the pilgrims and Native Americans when they celebrated the first Thanksgiving in 1621. (Although we now know that its more likely they may have eaten fowl like ducks and geese along with some venison, explains NPR.)
For many people, roasting a turkey is a little bit easier thanks to a simple little gadget known as the pop-up timer. This smart piece of technology lets you know when your turkey is done so you dont have to stress over it. All you have to do is wait until the red indicator stick pops up and you know the bird is done and its time to eat.
But have you ever wondered how that timer knows exactly when your turkey is completely cooked? Read on to find out.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks undertaking the task of roasting a turkey for the first time have found themselves perplexed by a mysterious plastic object attached to the bird. If you’ve scratched your head wondering “what is this plastic thing on my turkey?”, you’re not alone. Read on to find out what it is, whether it should be removed, and how to take it off before cooking your holiday centerpiece.
The Plastic Piece is Likely a Pop-Up Timer
Upon examining your raw turkey, the plastic item you discover is most likely a pop-up timer. This small device is embedded into the breast meat by turkey processors to function as an indicator of when the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat It’s designed to pop up out of the breast when the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
A pop-up timer consists of a small piece of heat-sensitive plastic encapsulating a spring inside At a high temperature, the plastic melts away, allowing the spring to release and pop the indicator button up. This signals to the cook that the minimum safe internal temperature has been reached
While handy, pop-up timers aren’t foolproof. Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm your turkey has reached a safe internal temp and is thoroughly cooked. The pop-up timer doesn’t account for uneven cooking.
It May Also Be a Plastic Hock Lock
Though less common than a pop-up timer, turkeys sometimes contain a thick plastic fastener binding the legs called a hock lock or leg holder. This is used to keep the legs contained during processing and packaging. It doesn’t serve a purpose during roasting.
A hock lock is constructed from food-safe plastic able to withstand oven temperatures. However, it should be removed prior to cooking to allow seasonings to reach the legs and promote even cooking. Removing it also permits access to the cavity for giblet removal.
You Should Remove Plastic Pieces Before Cooking
Most cooking experts recommend taking out any plastic inserts before roasting your turkey. Here’s why:
- Allows for even cooking and browning
- Enables seasonings to reach the legs
- Provides access to the interior cavity
- Prevents plastic from potentially melting
- Allows you to accurately gauge doneness
How to Remove the Plastic Inserts
Removing turkey plastic inserts is straightforward:
For a pop-up timer: Use clean hands or utensils to gently grasp and wiggle the timer from side to side. It should detach easily from the breast, leaving only a small hole.
For a hock lock: Use clean kitchen shears or scissors to clip the thick plastic band in one or two spots. It will then slide off the legs with ease. You can also just cut it off completely.
Once removed, verify all giblets and the neck have been taken out from the cavity before seasoning and roasting.
Trust Your Thermometer for Perfect Results
While pop-up timers provide an estimate, using an instant-read thermometer is the only sure way to guarantee safety and ideal doneness. Check the thickest part of the breast and thighs, ensuring they reach 165°F. Let the turkey rest before carving to prevent overcooking and ensure juicy, tender meat.
The Takeaway on Turkey Plastic Parts
Plastic items like pop-up timers and hock locks are added to turkeys by processors for efficiency. Though generally safe, removing them prior to roasting gives superior even cooking, browning, and doneness accuracy. Consider a pop-up timer just a rough guideline and rely on a thermometer for foolproof results. With plastic parts addressed, you can look forward to a fabulous turkey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some common questions about the plastic parts on store-bought turkeys:
What is the red plastic thing inside my turkey?
The red plastic piece is likely a pop-up timer. It’s designed to pop up out of the breast meat when the turkey reaches 165°F, signaling it’s fully cooked.
What if the turkey pop-up timer doesn’t pop?
If the pop-up timer doesn’t pop, it doesn’t necessarily mean the turkey isn’t fully cooked. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to double check the temperature, especially in multiple spots, to confirm the turkey is done.
What happens if you leave the plastic bag of giblets inside the turkey?
Leaving a plastic bag of giblets inside a roasting turkey can be dangerous if the plastic melts, releasing chemicals into the meat. Do not eat the turkey if the plastic melts or changes shape. It should be safe if the plastic remains intact.
Should you remove the plastic trussing from a turkey before cooking?
Yes, any plastic trussing like a hock lock should be removed before cooking a turkey to allow for seasoning and even cooking. Make sure to also remove the neck and bag of giblets.
Can you cook a turkey with the pop-up timer left in?
While not recommended, it is generally safe to cook a turkey with a pop-up timer intact provided it’s made of heat-resistant plastic. It can hinder even cooking though, so it’s better to remove it.
How do I take the plastic pop-up timer out of my turkey?
Use clean hands or utensils to gently grasp, wiggle, and pull the timer out of the breast meat. It should detach fairly easily, leaving just a small hole behind. Take care not to rip the breast skin.
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A Funky Thermometer
If your turkey has a pre-inserted pop-up timer — most turkeys you buy from the grocery store do — you dont have to worry about using a separate meat thermometer. When the turkeys timer pops up, its signaling to you the bird is done. Heres how it works:
A pop-up timer found in a turkey or chicken normally has four parts (see above):
- A: The stick that pops up (typically red)
- B: The outer case (typically white or light blue)
- C: A spring
- D: Piece of soft metal similar to solder
The soft metal (D in the ) is solid at room temperature but turns to a liquid (melts) at about 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73 degrees Celsius). When the metal melts, it releases the red stick (A) and the spring (C) pops up the stick so you know the turkey is done.
Turkey is done when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73 degrees Celsius). If your turkey didnt include a pop-up timer, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness. Simply insert the thermometer into the innermost part of the turkeys thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast, being sure not to hit bone. If it registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit, its done.
One little-known fact is that these timers are reusable. If you dip the tip in hot water it will re-melt the metal and you can push the pop-up piece back into place. Then let it cool, and the pop-up piece will be back in its original position — ready to use again.