To Net or Not to Net? Answering the Question of Removing Turkey Breast Netting Before Cooking

As Thanksgiving approaches, turkey prep questions abound Should you brine or stuff the bird? Roast or deep fry? And what about that thin mesh wrapped around the breast – should you remove the netting before cooking your turkey?

This protective webbing sparks debate among home cooks. Some swear it helps the breast hold shape and moisture. Others argue it prevents even cooking and can make carving difficult. Confusion stems from a lack of definitive guidance.

So let’s settle this turkey dilemma once and for all. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with netting on your Thanksgiving bird.

What is Turkey Breast Netting?

The thin white material encasing most supermarket turkey breasts is a nylon or polyester netting It is applied to help the breast retain its shape during shipping and cooking.

Netting provides support to the tender breast meat. It keeps the breast compact so it fits neatly into packaging. The webbing also protects the breast meat from damage during transport.

For consumers, the netting aims to deliver an attractive turkey breast for roasting. It helps the breast hold together instead of falling apart in the oven.

Pros and Cons of Removing Turkey Netting

There are good arguments on both sides of the “to net or not to net” debate. Here are the key pros and cons of removing poultry netting before cooking:

Pros

• Allows seasonings and basting to directly contact meat
• Permits even browning of the breast
• Reduces moisture trapping against skin
• Makes it easier to carve cooked breast

Cons

• Can cause breast to fall apart while cooking
• May lead to dry or unevenly cooked meat
• Requires handling raw turkey to remove netting
• Can damage breast meat if removed carelessly

Best Practices for Raw Turkey Netting

Given the pros and cons. what’s the recommendation on dealing with turkey breast netting? Here are some best practices

• Remove netting for roasting or baking. Direct oven heat makes moisture retention less crucial. Netting can cause pale spots.

• Keep netting for grilling or smoking. Gentler indirect heat makes the support worthwhile. Netting protects delicate meat.

• Remove carefully to avoid tearing. Slide fingers under netting and lift slowly. Use shears for stubborn areas.

• Ensure wash hands after handling. Raw poultry carries a risk of salmonella. Removing netting requires contacting raw meat.

• Pat turkey dry and season under skin. Remove netting before rubbing herbs under skin or coating meat.

• Brush with oil if concerned about drying. Oil basting helps retains moisture if removing netting.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Turkey Netting

When it comes to netting around the Thanksgiving turkey breast, there are reasonable arguments on both sides. Here are some pros and cons to weigh when making your decision:

Pros of Leaving Netting

• Helps maintain breast shape
• Holds tender meat together
• Retains moisture in the meat
• Allows even heat distribution
• Minimizes handling of raw poultry

Pros of Removing Netting

• Permits seasonings to reach meat
• Allows fat to render and crisp skin
• Reduces uneven cooking from moisture pockets
• Prevents netting texture transfer
• Makes carved meat look more attractive

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific cooking method and preferences. For optimal results, remove netting when roasting or baking and keep for grilling or smoking.

Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Turkey Netting

If you opt to remove the protective netting prior to cooking your Thanksgiving bird, follow these safe and simple steps:

1. Wash hands and sanitize any work surfaces.

2. Remove turkey breast from packaging. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.

3. Lay breast skin-side up on a clean cutting board. Locate edge of the netting.

4. Gently lift the netting away from the meat using your fingers. Go slowly to avoid tearing.

5. Use kitchen shears to carefully snip and sever any resistant areas of netting.

6. Discard removed netting. Rinse hands and sanitize work area.

7. Dry turkey breast thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.

Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Net-Free Turkey

With the netting question settled, you can prep your holiday bird for roasting success. A beautifully browned turkey breast free of plastic webbing makes for impressive presentation at the Thanksgiving table.

Follow proper technique and safety measures when handling raw poultry during netting removal. Allowing direct oven contact without the netting’s interference lets you achieve the ideal balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.

Serve up tasty turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie with confidence this Thanksgiving!