Any idea what went wrong?

Last post 12-16-2007 8:37 PM by lindapearl. 4 replies.
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  • 12-16-2007 7:36 PM

    Any idea what went wrong?

    Hi all,

    Today I made a turkey that was the strangest tasting bird I've ever made in my life!  It started yesterday when I made a brine of water, salt, garlic, lemon slices, apple cider and maple syrup.  I soaked the turkey for about 20 hours or so, rinsed it off and stuffed it.  I put a little sage and basil on the skin, popped it in the oven and when it was done it looked awesome.

    I used the drippings to make gravy and noticed right away the gravy tasted very much like I had used hot peppers in it, lots of them!  The turkey also tasted very spicy, like a Mexican recipe gone bad.  I expected it to be somewhat sweet, but definitely not spicy like this was!  I did not use any kind of pepper, the garlic did not seem very strong, so can anyone tell me what happened???

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  • 12-16-2007 7:41 PM In reply to

    Re: Any idea what went wrong?

    Was whatever you soaked it in aluminum?

  • 12-16-2007 7:48 PM In reply to

    Re: Any idea what went wrong?

    Yes, it was a big aluminum pan  that I usually use for making soup.  Does this make a difference?

  • 12-16-2007 8:04 PM In reply to

    Re: Any idea what went wrong?

     

    Prolonged exposure to acidity will.  Maybe, the lemons.

  • 12-16-2007 8:37 PM In reply to

    Re: Any idea what went wrong?

    Yep, BK is on the right track.

     

    You should never use any cookware to store food. Even good stainless steel can be ruined when salt causes surface pitting.

     

    Aluminum cookware is worse, being notorious for reacting with all kinds of foods -- acidic, alkaline, fats, and salts and even soap -- and yes, foods can actually change their taste, often a distinct metallic taste or some other off flavor.

     

    Typical foods that would cause a reaction include anything containing wine, vinegar or lemon, lime and citrus juice, salt, tomatoes, capers, or apples. Also those with sulfuring compounds like egg yolks and asparagus or artichokes that can cause oxidation that may discolor food and the cookware, usually by unsightly darkening.

     

    Every type of metal used in cookware will leach into the food, but aluminum is pretty soft so acidic and alkaline foods will increase the leaching. This means that your food -- and you -- will also absorb some of the metal. This reaction will also cause surface pitting in aluminum which then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

     

    That's why you often see the warnings to use non-reacting containers like plastic or glass...

    "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you." ~ Pericles (495-429 B.C.)
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