Fresh V’S Frozen

[sherrardk]

Does anyone think there’s much difference between a fresh and frozen turkey crown? Surely, you’d have to be a meat connoisseur to notice any difference in taste.

[Jackdaw33]

Meat connoiseurs would not touch turkey with a bargepole. There is no difference between the two; both are equally vile.

[ummmm]

I assume it was fresh at some point. I freeze most of my meat and I can't tell the difference as long as it's defrosted properly.

The thing that's put me off turkey crowns, three bird roasts etc...is that it says cook from frozen. That's where I think it might dry out.

[sherrardk]

Very helpful and constructive - why bother answering?

[sherrardk]

That wasn’t aimed at Ummm.

[ummmm]

Yeah, Jack, you come across as a wonderful chef! (I don't eat turkey either but still)

[sherrardk]

I’ve just checked and you have to defrost it before cooking - I’m tempted because it’s half the price of a fresh one and it’s not going to be taking up most of my fridge.

[woofgang]

I have no idea about meat connoisseurs but provided the meat is excellent quality to begin with and properly thawed and cooked, I don't think it would be possible for the average person to tell the difference.

[ummmm]

I would go for it then.

[woofgang]

I agree with ummm about the frozen meat that is intended to be cooked from frozen, often dry and tough.

[sherrardk]

My lot prefer Boxing Day food so I might just go for the frozen one, all they rave about on Christmas Day is the pigs in blankets and the sausage meat :)

[Buenchico]

Over on Mumsnet the general opinion seems to be that frozen turkey is at least as good as fresh, with quite a few people arguing that it's actually better:
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/1919993-Is-there-a-noticeable-difference-between-a-fresh-and-a-frozen-turkey

[sherrardk]

Right, I’m going for the frozen one - they won’t notice the difference and as long as there’s plenty they’ll be happy.

[ummmm]

Sher - when it's defrosted wrap it in good quality kitchen towel for an hour or so to drawer out any excess moisture.

That what I do with all meat and fish. (not always an hour...I wouldn't wrap up 5 prawns for an hour)

[sherrardk]

Thanks for the tip Ummm.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Why on earth would you want to draw out the moisture in meat? Surely the point is to cook a moist roast/turkey crown?
As for fresh/frozen, there is a huge difference but it depends if you are cooking for quality or quantity.

[woofgang]

APG I bet if you were presented with the same breed of turkey, same quality, properly defrosted and cooked, alongside a fresh one properly cooked, you would not know the difference, especially if it was a crown

[sherrardk]

It’s going to be for quantity, enough for 7 for Christmas dinner, rolls/sandwiches in the evening and the day after Boxing Day. I’m sure a frozen one will be fine.

[AuntPollyGrey]

woofgang -not true. I love turkey and usually get a frozen one if I can find one in the supermarkets during the year. I always get a fresh one from our village butcher for Xmas and there is a huge difference in the texture and taste. However, we often have a family buffet before Xmas and as I'm catering for a crowd I will use a frozen one. They are still nice but really not the same as a fresh one.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Sherrard that's going to have to be a huge turkey crown! Last Xmas we had a 23lb turkey for five people and it only lasted until the day after Boxing day.

[Barmaid]

Sherrard. Buy a whole frozen turkey. Defrost it. Brine it and then cut the legs off and roast them separately. Turkey crowns are expensive per pound over a whole turkey.