WASHINGTON — The National Turkey Federation (NTF) believes planning ahead is the key to securing the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, and that’s why the group offered up insider tips and tricks to purchasing and preparing a turkey for the upcoming holiday.

“Turkey has a unique and historic place in American culture and takes center-stage on the Thanksgiving table,” said Leslee Oden, NTF president and chief executive officer. “America’s turkey producers are proud to offer our nation’s consumers an immense variety of turkey products this Thanksgiving. From whole birds to more tailored cuts, turkey products are hitting the shelves of supermarkets nationwide, ensuring that every American can have a Thanksgiving feast complete with turkey on the table. We encourage everyone to learn more about how to prepare delicious turkey and ensure a perfect holiday meal.”

If consumers are seeking a particular weight or style of turkey, NTF recommends contacting a local retailer early to find out when those products will be available.

Proper food safety is another important component to consider. Four core food safety practices will help ensure a safe Thanksgiving meal:

• Clean: Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Ensure surfaces are clean both before and after handling raw turkey.
• Separate: Prevent cross-contamination by using different cutting boards to separate raw turkey from other ingredients needing prep work.
• Cook: Cook the turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, measured by a food thermometer. By reaching the specific temperature, consumers can rest assured that all bacteria have been killed.
• Chill: Immediately after the meal, chill leftovers and use or freeze within three to four days.

Additionally, NTF noted to never rinse a turkey as that can spread bacteria that might be present around the kitchen.

NTF’s Thanksgiving 101 online resource offers a comprehensive guide to preparing a turkey for the holidays, including how to thaw a turkey, preparing a whole turkey, how to carve a turkey, cooking a turkey and checking the temperature of a turkey. Thanksgiving 101 is a hub for everything commonly searched for when preparing a turkey and includes a variety of recipes to explore. NTF offers how-to guides to cook traditional roasted turkey as well as unique techniques like fried turkey and smoked turkey.

If consumers are looking to transform their Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, NTF also has them covered there, with several recipes to try out — whether that’s crafting the ultimate leftover sandwich or getting innovative with a post-Thanksgiving egg roll.

Freezing leftover turkey is a great way to keep leftovers longer and save on the grocery bill, NTF said. It’s best to freeze turkey within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. Turkey can freeze for up to six months if properly handled, packed and frozen.