chicken roaster questions [Archive]

Joe

10-31-2009, 10:32 AM

Hi Folks

This is probably a dumb question for most of you. I have about a half dozen of male chickens to slaughter very soon (tomorrow), My question is: Does the carcass need to rest in the cooler for a day or two (or more)before freezing? From my experience with other meats (lamb, wildboar...etc) resting the carcass tenderizes the meat; does this apply to poultry as well?

Joe

AlchemyAcres

10-31-2009, 10:39 AM

Hi Folks

This is probably a dumb question for most of you. I have about a half dozen of male chickens to slaughter very soon (tomorrow), My question is: Does the carcass need to rest in the cooler for a day or two (or more)before freezing? From my experience with other meats (lamb, wildboar...etc) resting the carcass tenderizes the meat; does this apply to poultry as well?

Joe

Yes, it's important to let the birds age a bit before putting them in the freezer. Especially until rigor has subsided.
It's paramount to cool the birds down slowly to prevent "cold shortening" which can make the birds tough.
Cooling down whole birds in some drained ice is usually okay, but never in icy water.

~Martin

Joe

11-04-2009, 08:17 PM

Thank you Martin, I was not sure... Meats got bag and freeze today (but one for diner) , about 72 hours rest in fridge with damp paper towel.

Joe

Builder Ken

11-12-2009, 05:33 PM

Martin why not icy water?? Ken

AlchemyAcres

11-13-2009, 11:20 AM

Martin why not icy water?? Ken

For the same reason a frozen chicken will thaw faster when placed in water rather than air, Conduction.
In the case of cooling the chickens the same principle applies.
Due to good contact with the water as well as waters excellent conductivity, the tranfer of heat is fast. Too fast in this case, IMHO.

~Martin

michiganmom

11-14-2009, 04:12 PM

Hey, that was a good qustion, i never knew that. Thanks for the answer Martin & thans for the question Joe now next time i will do it right. No wonder why my chickens were so tuff LOL.
michiganmom