Meat thermometers record the internal temperature of the meat that is being cooked or roasted. It can also measure the temperature of other foods that are being cooked. Moreover, it ensures that meat and other foods are adequately cooked without any overcooking and food poisoning. The thermometer is inserted differently depending on the type of meat being cooked.
The thermometer takes the food readings once it has been inserted in appropriate areas. It is mainly inserted in the thickest areas. For instance, in poultry, it is inserted in the thigh area. It is left for some time until the appropriate cooking temperature is reached, and once inserted; don’t touch the food which temperature is being recorded.
Using a meat thermometer
The meat thermometer takes the internal temperature of all meats such as pork, poultry, beef and lamb meat. The thermometer has different metals which are connected. When cooking meat, ensure that the correct temperature is reached, confirming that the meat is safe for consumption.
The meat thermometer usually has two sections which are the display area and the temperature rod. Push the temperature rod slowly but directly into the meat being cooked. Leave the thermometer and check the temperature readings displayed on the display section. Monitor the temperature until the required temperature for cooking that particular meat is reached.
Remove the thermometer from the meat and wash it. Remove the meat being cooked from the fire point.
Inserting meat thermometer into the cooking turkey
The thermometer must be inserted in the appropriate place to obtain accurate temperature recordings of the turkey being cooked or roasted. The meat thermometer is inserted in the thickest part of the turkey, the thigh. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, which is between the turkey’s breast and the thigh.
Recording the temperature of turkey being cooked
When cooking turkey, you need to follow some procedures of inserting the meat thermometer into the turkey correctly.
Step 1: Gather all material needed
In this case, you must have your turkey, source of heat and the meat thermometer. Place the turkey on the source of heat for cooking. Leave it to cook for a while.
Step 2: Insert your meat thermometer slowly into the thigh
Push your meat thermometer gently to the turkey’s thigh, confirming that it has not touched any bone. Ensure that you choose the thickest part on the thighs where to insert the thermometer. The thickest thigh part of the turkey is the area between the thigh and the turkey breast. Leave the thermometer in the turkey to capture the turkey temperature and wait until the temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Step 3: Take the turkey out of the oven
After the temperature has been reached, remove the meat thermometer from the turkey. Secondly, remove the turkey that has been cooked from the oven while wearing gloves to avoid burns. Cover the turkey loosely and leave it for around 30 to 40 minutes. Ensure you covered your turkey lightly using aluminum foil. This process makes your turkey soft.
Step 4: Clean the meat thermometer and calibrate it if necessary
Finally, ensure that your meat thermometer has been cleaned well or even sanitized. You can also calibrate it so that it improves its accuracy and efficiency.
Considerations when inserting the meat thermometer into the turkey
Before inserting the thermometer into the turkey, you consider the following;
1. Ensure that you insert the thermometer in the thickest part, which is mainly found between the thighs and the turkey’s breast.
2. When inserting the meat thermometer, ensure that it does not touch any bone or even the oven.
3. Ensure that you insert the meat thermometer on the thickest part side to skim the turkey cooking temperature.
4. Check the temperature of the oven and ensure you use the appropriate temperature when cooking the turkey.
Moreover, you can calibrate your meat thermometer before using it to get the best and accurate temperature readings.
How to calibrate the meat thermometer
Calibrating your meat thermometer ensures your meat is safely cooked to prevent food poisoning. Calibrating meat thermometers usually vary from one meat thermometer type to another. The meat thermometer exists in two types; the digital meat thermometer and the dial meat thermometers.
Step 1: Place water on the point and leave it to boil
Pour distilled water into your pot until it is complete. Put the pot on heat.
Step 2: Bring the distilled water to boil on the heat
After placing the distilled water on heat, turn on the heat to boil the distilled water. Leave it to boil until its boiling point is reached.
Step 3: Place the meat thermometer into the boiling water
Insert the meat thermometer in the boiling water slowly. Leave it for around 25 to 35 minutes for the meat thermometer to record the boiling water temperature.
Step 4: Read the temperature recorded by the meat thermometer
The meat thermometer should be reading 100 degrees Celsius or 212 Fahrenheit. If it does not read, try adjusting the meat thermometer while following the manufacturer’s instructions. Adjust the knot at the back of the meat thermometer until it records the correct temperature.
Step 5: Redo the process to obtain more accuracy
Repeating the above process improves the efficiency and accuracy of the meat thermometer. After repeating the process, test your meat thermometer by placing it on the meat being cooked or roasted. For the digital thermometers, it is difficult to adjust.
Step 6: Test your calibrated meat thermometer using cold water or ice cubes
Place ice cubes in a glass. Insert the meat thermometer into the glass containing ice cubes. Leave the meat thermometer to measure the ice temperature. The temperature should read 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If it fails to read the correct temperature, try to adjust, but replace the meat thermometer if the problem persists.
Conclusion
Meat thermometers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the meat being cooked. Moreover, they have advanced to digital meat thermometers. The digital meat thermometers are the best but difficult to make any adjustments in case of any problem. From the above information, you have understood how to cook your turkey and insert the meat thermometer to obtain an accurate reading.
