Basted or brined

[Steve H]

I'm looking to buy another Turkey breast for smoking later. All the ones I'm seeing are "basted" with 10-15% solution. The one I'm doing today isn't basted. If the bird is basted. Does it need any brine or injection?

 

[xray]

I’m not sure if I could recall seeing “basted” instead of brine on the package. I’ll have to make a mental note when I go to the store.

If I would have to guess, I’m assuming by basted that the poultry would be brushed with a glaze or solution prior to packaging...a surface treatment if you will. These would probably have distinct flavor proflies such as lemon pepper, cajun, mesquite etc etc....I haven’t bought these in awhile because i feel like the flavor they advertise is lacking.

But as far as your regular poultry. I think they all benefit from a brine or injection.

 

[gmc2003]

If they are already enhanced then I would inject to get the flavor I like. Just be careful with the amount of salt used. If they aren't enhanced then I would go ahead and brine.

Chris

 

[Steve H]

Ok, I was thinking the same. I'm going to inject the one that is basted. My other one just came out of the brine. And drying out.

 

[chopsaw]

"basted" with 10-15% solution.

I'm with xray . Never saw basted , but makes you think surface treatment . 10 to 15 % would be alot of liquid in the bag if it wasn't injected though .
For me , if it's enhanced I only season the outside , no salt .

 

[Steve H]

My thought as well. I double checked. 9.5% solution basted. I'm going with injected.

 

[chopsaw]

If you still have the package , look at the nutrition / ingredient label . See if it list celery juice . Just wondering .

 

[Steve H]

If you still have the package , look at the nutrition / ingredient label . See if it list celery juice . Just wondering .

Yes, it does.

 

[chopsaw]

Thanks . Watching this .

 

[drunkenmeatfist]

My first guess was that the package said "bastard" because the turkey was abandoned as a youth. Would probably make for a tougher bird so injecting is a good idea.

 

[Steve H]

My first guess was that the package said "bastard" because the turkey was abandoned as a youth. Would probably make for a tougher bird so injecting is a good idea.

Lol. I'll let you know when I smoke this one. It won't be for awhile. The current one has been brined and injected. 2.5 hours in the smoker with hickory. And the IT is 93. Coming along nicely.