The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Food & crafts => Food processing => Topic started by: dixie on December 27, 2009, 11:49:28 am

Title: Curing Turkey breast??
Post by: dixie on December 27, 2009, 11:49:28 am
As I have a couple of turkeys left over, we have jointed them for freezing, I wondered if I could cure the breast and honey roast to later slice for sandwiches etc, same procedure as doing ham but maybe cure for 3 days? is this a mad idea or does anyone know if it works? Thanks ;D
Title: Re: Curing Turkey breast??
Post by: doganjo on December 27, 2009, 03:18:11 pm
I don't see why not - you can get honey roast chicken in the shops so why not turkey?  Wouldn't you do it the same way as ham?
Title: Re: Curing Turkey breast??
Post by: dixie on December 27, 2009, 07:52:50 pm
Well decided to go for it! Have cured 2 breasts which are now in the fridge, will let you know the outcome!
Title: Re: Curing Turkey breast??
Post by: Hilarysmum on December 28, 2009, 09:19:28 am
Please do cos if you are successful I am going to be getting rid of a few cockerels!.
Title: Re: Curing Turkey breast??
Post by: dixie on January 02, 2010, 11:48:30 am
Well I did it! cured for 3 days in the fridge with salt, brown sugar and seasonings. Rinsed and dried it off then covered with honey and roasted for about 50 mins on 160deg. Result is lovely, sort of like ham but not, definately worth a try and will certainly do some chicken too! ;D
Title: Re: Curing Turkey breast??
Post by: Hilarysmum on January 29, 2010, 10:29:17 am
Going to try that thanks for posting it.
Title: Re: Curing Turkey breast??
Post by: Norfolk Newby on January 30, 2010, 11:01:32 am
I've got a small smoker and have smoked whole chickens. The resulting meat is good hot or cold. I prefer it cold with a salad.

I think you could do the same with the turkey meat. I would place the fillets in strong brine for about 45 minutes, rinse, dry and then put in the smoker for:-

1 hour hot (110-130 deg C)
OR
5-8 hours cold (30-50 deg C)

The figures are just my best guess based on how the chickens turn out. You need to match the time to the size of the piece of meat in order to achieve a reasonable state of preservation. I wouldn't rely on the smoking to preserve the meat though and would store in the freezer if the meat had to be kept for more than a couple of days.

I only offer this as another alternative to curing, not as a preferred approach.

NN