Some interesting facts about Thanksgiving include that:
- about 270 million turkeys are raised in the United States each year
- the typical American eats about 13.6 pounds of turkey a year, with a good bit of it at Thanksgiving time.
- about 572 million pounds of cranberries and 1.4 billion pounds of sweet potatoes are produced in the United States each year
- the first Thanksgiving wasn't really celebrated by the Pilgrims, but was instead celebrated by Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in Texas in 1541
- it wasn't until 1939 that Thanksgiving was officially on the fourth Thursday in November. In previous years, Thanksgiving might have been celebrated on the 1st, 3rd or last Thursday in November.
As Thanksgiving approaches, cooking the traditional turkey dinner gives rise to anxieties and questions. What kind of turkey should I buy? Should I buy a frozen turkey or a fresh one? How do I store my turkey?
A few simple steps will not only ease your holiday fears, but will ensure a delicious and a safe meal for you, your family, and your friends. The following information may help you prepare your special Thanksgiving meal and help you countdown to the holiday.
PLAN AHEAD - Plan your menu several weeks before the holiday. Shopping early will ease the countdown tension for your Thanksgiving meal. Ask these questions to help plan your meal. Do you want a fresh or frozen turkey? Do you have enough space to store a frozen bird if purchased in advance; if not, when should you purchase a turkey? What size bird do you need to buy?
FRESH OR FROZEN - There is no appreciable difference between a fresh or frozen bird. It is just a personal preference.
WHEN TO PURCHASE - If you choose to buy a frozen bird you may do so at any time, but make sure you have adequate storage space in your freezer. If you buy a fresh turkey, be sure you purchase it only 1-2 days before cooking .Do not buy a prestuffed fresh turkey.
