Why do our butchered birds have stiff legs?

[pdpatch]

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It usually takes a minimum of 4 hours for most of the rigor to leave. It's best to rest 24 hours. While resting you can also brine poultry while you wait.

Before you freeze them or after resting/brining. You can put the legs in the presentation position. then either wire in place with stainless steal wire, or a very tight freezer bag, or plastic leg holders. Since the legs have more tendons and cartilage then other parts of the bird they kind of don't want to move after freezing, resting, brining.

Tom

 

[ozark hen]

Quote:
I can't see my dh shaking a bird in his mouth trying to "loosen" it up.

Seriously, thank you all for the suggestions. I agree this thread has run it's course. Thanks to all for the humor and the good advice.