Safe Temperature For Turkey Brining

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Nigella's Spiced And Superjuicy Roast Turkey (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS) is brined in a solution that is spiced with aromatics such as black pepper, star anise, allspice, caraway and cloves. The brine flavours and seasons the turkey and also helps it to remain moist while it cooks in the oven.

Fresh or defrosted turkeys should be kept in the fridge or at a temperature equivalent to the fridge. This is usually 1-4c/33-40F. So if you are in an environment where the outside temperature falls within this range (or down to 0c/32F, below this there is a risk of freezing) then it is fine to brine the turkey outside. Once the turkey temperature rises above 4c it should be cooked within 2 hours. Do make sure that the container you use has a lid that can be closed and locked/sealed tightly so that the local wildlife can't try and take or eat the turkey. A suitably cold garage or outhouse/shed may be a safer place to leave the turkey while it soaks in its brine.