Well, my curious friends, it's all about bacteria. You see, when turkey is cooked to the right temperature, it kills off any harmful bacteria that might be lurking inside. And trust me, you don't want any unwanted guests at your dinner table! So, make sure to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, especially in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "But what about pink juice?" Don't worry, friends, pink juice doesn't necessarily mean the turkey is undercooked. In fact, some cooked turkeys can still have a bit of pinkness to them, especially if they're young or organic. So, always rely on your thermometer to give you the lowdown.
So, how do you actually check the temperature of your turkey? Easy peasy! Just insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, avoiding any bones or fat. And voilà! You'll have your answer in no time. Just remember, don't overcook it, or you'll end up with a dry, tasteless turkey - and nobody wants that!
Turkey internal temperature when done