Thanksgiving Preparation and Elevation

news image
Special Stories
27 Nov 2019 1:00 AM
It’s estimated that nearly 46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving in the United States.  Turkey is the staple of the feast but it may take longer to cook your bird at higher altitudes.  Cooking a turkey Denver, Colorado may take a little longer than one cooked Miami Florida because of the difference in elevation above sea level. As you go up in elevation, the air thins and there is less oxygen and atmospheric pressure which affects most everything you cook.   At sea level water boils and turns into steam at 212°F but water will boil at lower temperatures at higher elevations. Boiling Points at elevation Sea level  =  212° 2,000’       =  208° 5,000’       =  203° 7,500’       =  198° 10,000’     =  194° Altitude will have a larger effect on baking and boiling foods than on roasting but you may have to roast that turkey a little longer at higher elevations. Adjusting roasting time at higher elevations can be a bit tricky and a meat thermometer is always a good idea.  At lower elevations, a temperature in the thickest part of the thigh of at least 165°F should indicate a done turkey. At elevations say above 4000 feet, you may need to add add approximately 5-10 minutes per pound to recommended roasting time @ 325°F.  Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. A temperature of 180-185° in the thickest part of a thigh for a whole turkey should indicate a fully cooked bird at higher elevations.   Checking the temperature often near the end of the cooking time will help in pinpoint when it is ready to eat.  Another thing to consider is that at higher elevations many times the air is much drier.  Account for evaporation and keep that bird basted.  Happy Thanksgiving to all from sea to shining sea.  
All Weather News
More
Temps Drop to the 20s in the South

Temps Drop to the 20s in the South

The Spring Equinox occurs Tuesday night, but

19 Mar 2024 3:00 AM
Midweek Snow System in the Midwest

Midweek Snow System in the Midwest

We're tracking a low-pressure system from Can

19 Mar 2024 2:55 AM
Spring Starts Tuesday - 5 Facts about the Equinox

Spring Starts Tuesday - 5 Facts about the Equinox

Spring in the northern hemisphere begins on T

19 Mar 2024 2:50 AM
Looking Ahead: Next Storm Chance in the South

Looking Ahead: Next Storm Chance in the South

We are gearing up for another busy end to the

19 Mar 2024 12:50 AM
Late Week System for the West Coast

Late Week System for the West Coast

Through the weekend and early this week, we h

19 Mar 2024 12:50 AM
Cherry Blossoms at Peak Bloom Early in D.C.

Cherry Blossoms at Peak Bloom Early in D.C.

The recent warmth on the East Coast means the

19 Mar 2024 12:40 AM
Storms in Florida Today

Storms in Florida Today

The end of last week was active across the So

18 Mar 2024 7:20 PM