Apple Cider Turkey Brine
This brine combines water, apple cider, salt, herbs, and peppercorns to enhance moisture and flavor in a holiday turkey. The mixture is briefly heated to dissolve the salt, then cooled with ice. Once fully chilled, the turkey is submerged in the brine in a food-safe container and refrigerated for at least 12 hours, ensuring it stays below 40°F. After brining, the turkey is removed, thoroughly dried, and cooked using any preferred method. The recipe also notes that Greenacres’ pasture-raised turkeys are raised on rotated pasture, a diverse diet, and Certified Humane practices, which contribute to their quality and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon Water or as needed, divided
- 2 cups Apple Cider
- 1 cup Kosher or Sea Salt (not table salt)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Sage
- 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns
- 4 cups Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Combine 4 cups water, apple cider, kosher salt, sage, rosemary, thyme, and peppercorns together in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil; cook and stir brine until the salt is just dissolved. Remove from heat. Add ice cubes. Allow to cool.
- Pour the cooled brine into a food-grade, non-reactive container such as a stainless steel or enameled stockpot, or a food-grade plastic bucket. Submerge the whole turkey into the cooled brine, and add water until turkey is completely covered and all cavities are filled. Stir around the edges to make sure liquids are combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 12 hours. Ensure temperature never rises above 40º.
- Remove the turkey from the brine. Pat dry inside and out with paper towels. Discard brine. Cook the turkey as desired.
Notes
PASTURE RAISED TURKEYS
From August to November, our livestock crew cares for hundreds of turkeys that arrive as day-old poults. Once they are large enough, they are released to large fenced paddocks where they are frequently rotated through the pasture.
Birds are omnivores - in addition to the insects, grasses, clover, etc. they forage, we also provide a locally produced, non-GMO turkey feed. This well-rounded diet, in addition to all the exercise they get, results in a more delicious turkey.
All livestock handling and housing arrangements on our farm meet or exceed Certified Humane guidelines. Our efforts result in healthier birds who live happier lives, better working conditions for our staff, improved soils, and a healthier, more delicious turkey to grace your holiday table.
A note about feathers…The turkey you typically buy at the grocery store has been bred to have white feathers, a genetic trait selected so feathers aren’t as visible, at the expense of overall turkey health and flavor. Our turkeys have bronze feathers, which may occasionally be visible on the turkey you bring home – simply remove before cooking.
