Thanksgiving dinner is a big deal, even if as my wife points out, it’s pretty much like any Shabbat in our home – many people gathered around too much food, having a good time. Given the number of mouths to feed, whether every week or every year, we can all use a few shortcuts to make the whole thing easier, no? Well, here is one that explains why kosher birds are actually advantageous even if you don’t keep kosher.
In case you are wondering, brining is the process by which the meat is soaked salted water, creating a more flavorful and juicy product at the end of cooking. It’s healthier than basting with oil or other fats like butter (the latter would not be kosher, by the way), and actually far more effective at obtaining the desired juicy bird.
So whether you keep kosher or not, if you want to cook like a foodie, but have no interest in the extra steps or work involved, buy a kosher turkey and consider yourself a few step ahead of the game. And in the case of poultry, it’s also healthier.
I don’t make such claims casually, and do not believe that the reason for the kosher laws is rooted in physical health. In the case of poultry however, kosher is healthier at least as far as salmonella and other bacteria are concerned.
So for a healthier, easier (albeit pricier) Thanksgiving, consider a kosher turkey. Or, just consider this a bit of insider information on some of the lesser-known benefits of eating kosher. Either way, Happy Thanksgiving to all!