Processing ice bath quesiton

[dw15841]

How long does it take a 25 lb turkey to get down to 40 degrees in an ice bath? We are trying to decide how big of an ice bath we need to keep the line moving.

 

[rjohns39]

Depending on ambient air temp it can take up to 4 hours. I use about 4 pounds of ice per bird when doing turkeys. Then I rest them 3-4 days in the fridge before cooking or freezing. I also use a two step process. From the evisceration table they go into to a tub full of tap water for a pre-soak. I have a two sink setup, so I fill sink 1, then sink 2, then the birds from sink 1 go to QA water is drained and refilled, after QA they go into the ice water bath. To help me understand timing, first bird get's a digital thermometer inserted in the cavity.

 

[dw15841]

Do you figure getting them to 40 degree? Air temp should be around 50 degrees no sun.

 

[rjohns39]

I've only processed two batches of turkeys and chill times were way different. I want to say the last batch was within the 50-60 range and they got there in about two hours.

ETA: Yes I target 40* and will often achieve 38* or so.

 

[dw15841]

When you say 50-60 range are you saying 50-60 lb or min?
on last question. Do you take temp in the breast?

 

[rjohns39]

When you say 50-60 range are you saying 50-60 lb or min?
on last question. Do you take temp in the breast?

50*-60* temp where the chill tank is located. I'll slip it into the breast or thigh, just avoid bones.

 

[bobbylyone]

Newbie here so please take mercy.

I processed two yesterday 6PM PST and I spent most of my time researching the dispatch and evisceration and not on the ice bath. Tom ~ 37 lbs and Hen 22 lbs.

After completing the evisceration I rinsed the birds really well, drained and then placed them into large bags and them put them on ice while in the bags. I was planning to move them to refrigerator tonight because my sister in law will be picking them up for Thursday. Should I be concerned that I didn't submerge in an ice bath prior to bagging? Concerned for food safety. Thoughts?

 

[rjohns39]

No. Simply put your goal is to drop their temp to 40* within 4 hours. They need to rest for 3-4 days, if heritage birds before cooking or freezing. There are many who air process their birds to the proper temp.

 

[bobbylyone]

Great - Thanks. So for rest - is it ok move them to a fridge until Thursday morning in order to "rest?"

 

[rjohns39]

Great - Thanks. So for rest - is it ok move them to a fridge until Thursday morning in order to "rest?"

Yes. I put them in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out.