Canning turkey is not just a way to make your leftovers last longer; it’s a fantastic method to create ready-to-eat meals that are perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about canning turkey, from preparation tips to storage suggestions. Let’s dive into the savory world of preserved turkey!
Understanding the Basics of Canning Turkey
Before you grab your jars and turkey, let’s talk about the fundamentals of canning. Canning is a preservation method that uses heat to kill bacteria and seal food in jars. This creates a vacuum seal, which prevents spoilage. When it comes to canning turkey, there are two methods to choose from: water bath canning and pressure canning. For meats, pressure canning is the recommended method as it reaches higher temperatures necessary for safe preservation.
Why Canning Turkey is a Great Idea
- Reduce Waste: If you have leftover turkey from holidays or special occasions, canning allows you to enjoy it in the future without wasting a bite.
- Convenience: Canned turkey makes weeknight meals a breeze. Simply open a jar, heat it up, and you’re ready to eat!
- Flavorful Meals: Canning turkey locks in flavor, and you can even add herbs and spices to elevate your dishes.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start, you’ll need some essential items:
Ingredients
- Turkey: Leftover cooked turkey or freshly cooked turkey, boneless and skinless, works best.
- Salt: Optional, for flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Optional, such as thyme, rosemary, or black pepper.
Equipment
- Pressure Canner: Essential for canning meat.
- Canning Jars: Quart or pint jars with new lids.
- Lifter: A jar lifter for safe handling.
- Funnel: To fill jars without making a mess.
- De-bubbler: To remove air bubbles from the jars.
- Dish Towels: For drying and handling hot jars.
Preparation Tips for Canning Turkey
1. Preparing the Turkey
- Cook It Right: If you’re using raw turkey, cook it first until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Shred or cube the turkey into manageable pieces.
- Skim the Fat: If using a rich stock or broth, skim off excess fat to prevent it from floating on top of the jars.
2. Sterilizing Jars
- Sanitize: Wash your jars in hot, soapy water or run them through a dishwasher cycle. Keep them warm until you’re ready to fill them, as filling cold jars with hot turkey can cause them to crack.
Canning Techniques: Step by Step
3. Fill the Jars
- Using the funnel, pack shredded or cubed turkey into the jars, leaving about 1-inch headspace. This is crucial for proper sealing.
- Add Salt & Flavoring: If desired, sprinkle a teaspoon of salt or add your favorite herbs into each jar for an extra flavor boost.
4. Add Liquid
- Broth or Water: Pour in hot chicken broth or water to cover the turkey while maintaining the headspace. Remember to leave that inch of space at the top.
5. Remove Air Bubbles
- Run the de-bubbler around the edges of the jar to release trapped air. This helps create a better seal.
6. Seal the Jars
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue that may prevent a good seal.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings on until they are fingertip tight.
7. Process the Jars
- Pressure Canning: Place the jars in your pressure canner filled with water as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Process pint jars for 75 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes at 10-15 psi, depending on your altitude.
8. Cooling Down
- After the processing time, carefully remove the jars using the lifter and place them on a clean towel or cooling rack. Allow the jars to cool completely undisturbed.
9. Check Seals
- Once cooled, check the seals by pressing in the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed! If not, consider refrigerating the jar and using it within a week.
Storing and Using Your Canned Turkey
Best Storage Practices
- Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. They can last for up to a year when properly canned and stored.
- Always label your jars with the date of canning for easy tracking.
Serving Suggestions
- Turkey Soup: Open a jar and add it to a pot with broth and veggies for a quick soup.
- Casseroles: Use canned turkey in your favorite casserole recipes.
- Sandwiches: Mix with mayo and your choice of spices for a delicious turkey salad.
Fun Facts About Canned Turkey
- Canning has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, and it was initially developed to preserve food for soldiers during wartime.
- Home canning saw a resurgence during the pandemic, as many families turned to preserving food for economic reasons.
Experiment with Canning
Canning turkey is just one of many ways to preserve food. Why not try canning different types of meat or vegetables? The sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity in the kitchen!
Final Thoughts
Canning turkey is a rewarding and enjoyable process that not only helps you reduce waste but also provides you with delicious meals all year round. With this guide, you're now equipped with the knowledge to start your canning adventure. So, gather your ingredients, prep your equipment, and get ready to enjoy turkey like never before! Happy canning!
