If youre tired of eating the same old Thanksgiving turkey stuffing every year, change things up by stuffing your bird with fruit, such as oranges, lemons, and limes. Citrus fruit is the best fruit to stuff a turkey with for a moist, delicately flavored result.
Youll save calories and fat by not using traditional stuffing, which is typically loaded with butter that soaks into the meat. On the other hand, fresh citrus fruit creates a porous area inside the cavity and provides moisture that steams and seasons the meat.
Finally, youll want to add the right aromatics when youre using fruit to stuff turkey, as herbs and spices will leave you with fresh, flavorful meat.
For a fresh, vibrant flavor, stuff turkey with citrus fruit like oranges, lemons, and limes. The juices from the fruit impart flavor and add moisture to the bird.
Combining orange and rosemary will give your bird a tanginess and zest that it may otherwise not have. As the turkey cooks, the juices from the orange will marinate through the meat of your turkey. Since its stuffed in the cavity, the orange should permeate to the breast and thighs of your turkey.
How to Stuff Turkey With Fruit
- Citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, and limes
- Turkey
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Fresh herbs
- Cooking string
To stuff turkey with citrus fruit, youll first need to cut the fruit on a clean cutting board with a sharp chefs knife. Then, follow these instructions:
- Rinse the inside and outside of the turkey with cold water. Pat the surfaces dry with a paper towel.
- Wash the outside of an orange, lemon, and lime with water. Cut the citrus into quarter-sized wedges with a sharp knife and cutting board.
- Rinse three or four sprigs of fresh herbs with water. Herbs that complement turkey are rosemary, thyme or marjoram.
- Stuff the orange, lemon, and lime wedges into the turkey cavity with your hands, and then stuff in the herbs. Any unused citrus wedges can be used as a garnish on the turkey platter.
- Tie the legs together with some cooking string to keep moisture and heat inside the turkey for steaming the citrus.
- Cook the turkey in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven until the internal temperature in the thigh and breast is 165 F or higher.
- Leave the citrus in the turkey as it cools for additional moisture. Discard the citrus when done carving.
Cut an onion and a garlic clove into wedges and insert them into the turkey cavity with the citrus wedges for additional flavor. Wash your hands before and after handling a raw turkey.
Other Tips for Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
To ensure your Thanksgiving turkey comes out moist, using fresh citrus fruits that release their juices during roasting will help. You can also:
- Stuff your turkey with an apple, which will help moisten the turkey.
- Brine your turkey before roasting it.
- Baste the turkey in its juices as it is cooking.
- Rub the inside cavity of the turkey with herb butter before roasting.
With all of these pointers for making flavorful turkey, youll be excited to use all your thanksgiving leftovers for days to come.
Orange Spiced Turkey | Your turkey for this year’s Thanksgiving!
FAQ
Why stuff a turkey with apples and oranges?
Why put an onion in a turkey?
What is best to put in the cavity of a turkey?
Why do people put apples in turkeys?
Why do you put an orange in a Turkey?
Some people believe that the orange adds a distinct citrus flavor to the turkey, while others believe it simply helps keep the meat juicy. Regardless of the reason, putting an orange in a turkey has become a beloved tradition for many families during the holiday season.
What are oranges for?
Oranges are a healthy citrus fruit that are most notably recognized for their high levels of Vitamin C, which is takes a pivotal role in the development and repair of skin tissue. Oranges are low in fat and calories, and just one can provide you with one-hundred percent of the daily suggested value of vitamin C. They also contain fiber and potassium for heart heath and blood sugar support.
Can you put oranges in a Turkey?
The science behind putting oranges in turkeys is quite simple. Oranges contain natural acids that help tenderize the meat as it cooks, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey. When an orange is inserted into the cavity of the bird, the juice and oils from the peel infuse into the turkey, creating a delicious citrus aroma and taste.
Can you put orange stuffing inside a Turkey?
If you’re not a fan of the traditional stuffing inside the turkey, there are plenty of orange alternatives that can add a fresh and unique flavor to your holiday meal. One option is to chop up oranges and use them as a bed for the turkey to rest on while it cooks.