Freshly butchered turkey

[Kylacat]

So this is our first time raising turkeys. My husband butchered one this afternoon for our supper tomorrow night. I have been reading about rigor and that the meat will be horrible and tough. We have family coming tomorrow for a turkey feast, what should we do? Has anyone ever roasted a fresh turkey without waiting 3-4 days? Thanks

 

[EggSighted4Life]

what should we do? Has anyone ever roasted a fresh turkey without waiting 3-4 days?

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

How old was said turkey?

Some folks eat them the same day without issue.

I would brine that baby and cook it super low and slow, I think.

 

[Kylacat]

The turkey was just under 19lbs and 19 weeks old

 

[Skipper7410]

Generally you should chill it for like 3 days to get passed the rigor, but I have cooked lots of wild birds the day after the kill by using a good brine and cooking slow (usually smoked haha)

 

[Kylacat]

Generally you should chill it for like 3 days to get passed the rigor, but I have cooked lots of wild birds the day after the kill by using a good brine and cooking slow (usually smoked haha)

At this point I think I may have to throw in the towel and cook ribs tomorrow instead. I don’t think I have time to brine and slow cook it and have it on the table for 2 tomorrow afternoon. I don’t want to serve everybody shoe leather or waste an animal we have been raising since April. Thanks for the input though.