Apple Spice Turkey Brine is one of my favorite brines for a turkey. This brine gives the bird a nice savory flavor that will put a smile on anyone’s face. For people who are new to the brining process the turkey absorbs the moisture , which in turn helps it stay juicy. The turkey absorbs salt too, it also gets nicely seasoned.
The salt also has one other benefit, it breaks down some of the turkey’s proteins, making it more tender. And the apple/ orange juice plus the brow n sugar adds an amazing flavor. Turkey is a bird that has little fat, particularly the breast meat. And we all know fat keeps the meat from becoming dry and tough. If you want to avoid a dry bird for thanksgiving then you might need a little help. So try this brine recipe and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Apple Spice Turkey Brine
Ingredients
- 3 quarts apple juice
- 2 quarts orange juice
- 1 cup table salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 10 whole cloves whole
- 1 tablespoon ground Allspice
- 1 gallon cold water
Instructions
- In a stockpot over medium heat, simmer apple juice, orange juice, brown sugar and the rest of the dry ingredients in the water until the salt and sugar dissolve, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Submerge the turkey in the brine, top with a plate, and put a large can or a few cans on the plate to hold the turkey under the brine.
- Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for 12 to 24 hours.
- Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it off under cold water so it’s not too salty, and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Follow your favorite recipe and roast without using additional salt.
