Turkey is the star of the show during Thanksgiving and other festive occasions. However, the plastic leg holder that comes with most turkeys can be a source of confusion for many home cooks. Should you leave it on or remove it before cooking? Let’s dive into this topic and explore the pros and cons of cooking turkey with the plastic leg holder.
Understanding the Plastic Leg Holder
The plastic leg holder is a small, durable clip designed to hold the turkey’s legs together during packaging and transportation. It’s typically made of heat-resistant nylon or a similar material that can withstand the high temperatures of an oven or smoker.
Frequency of occurrences based on the provided URLs:
- “plastic clip” or “plastic leg holder” – 8 occurrences
- “turkey” – 14 occurrences
- “remove” or “leave in” – 9 occurrences
- “oven” or “smoker” – 3 occurrences
The Great Debate: To Remove or Not to Remove?
There’s an ongoing debate among home cooks and culinary experts regarding whether to remove or leave the plastic leg holder on during cooking. Here are the arguments for each side:
Removing the Plastic Leg Holder
Proponents of removing the plastic leg holder before cooking argue that:
- It’s an unnecessary addition to the cooking process, and some prefer a more natural approach.
- There’s a concern that the plastic might melt or release chemicals into the turkey, even though it’s designed to be heat-resistant.
- Removing the leg holder allows for easier trussing (tying) of the turkey legs with kitchen twine, which can help the turkey cook more evenly.
Leaving the Plastic Leg Holder On
Those who advocate leaving the plastic leg holder on during cooking cite the following reasons:
- It’s designed to withstand high temperatures and is safe to use during cooking.
- Leaving the leg holder on ensures that the turkey legs remain securely together, preventing them from splaying out and drying out during the cooking process.
- It’s convenient and saves time, as you don’t have to worry about trussing the legs yourself.
Expert Recommendations
While opinions may vary, many culinary experts and turkey manufacturers recommend leaving the plastic leg holder on during cooking. Here’s what they have to say:
- The National Turkey Federation states that the plastic leg holders are safe to use and can remain on the turkey during cooking.
- Butterball, a leading turkey brand, advises that their plastic leg holders are oven-safe and can stay on the turkey while it’s being cooked.
- Bob Correll, a respected member of The Virtual Weber Bulletin Board, mentions that the plastic leg holders are made of heat-resistant nylon, similar to pop-up timers, and can safely remain on the turkey during cooking.
Tips for Cooking Turkey with the Plastic Leg Holder
If you decide to leave the plastic leg holder on during cooking, here are some tips to ensure a successful and safe process:
- Check the packaging instructions: Some turkey manufacturers may provide specific instructions regarding the leg holder. Follow their recommendations.
- Use a meat thermometer: Regardless of whether you leave the leg holder on or not, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on the turkey during cooking, and if you notice any signs of melting or discoloration of the plastic leg holder, remove it immediately.
- Consider trussing the legs: If you’re concerned about the turkey legs splaying out during cooking, you can always remove the plastic leg holder and truss the legs together with kitchen twine.
Final Thoughts
Cooking turkey with the plastic leg holder is generally considered safe and convenient by many experts and manufacturers. However, if you prefer a more natural approach or have concerns about the plastic, you can always remove the leg holder and truss the turkey legs yourself.
Ultimately, the decision to remove or leave the plastic leg holder comes down to personal preference and comfort level. As long as you follow proper food safety guidelines and use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the recommended internal temperature, you can enjoy a delicious and safe holiday meal.