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Turkey, Choosing Of

A hen turkey is the best, and it should be young and plump. If young, the legs will be black and smooth. If fresh, the eyes will be bright and the feet supple. The length of the spur will show whether or not a cock turkey is young. Turkeys are in season from September to February, and are at their best at Martinmas. They should be hung at least a week in suitable weather, but if there is any fear that they are frozen, they should be kept in a warm kitchen for some hours before being cooked. It is generally understood that a moderate-sized turkey is more likely to be tender than a very large one.