Turkey breasts

[5arraquiver]

My daughter harvested a monster Tom on Saturday.  This was a very old bird. With that being said, I took the bird home right away and cleaned him. I soaked the breast meat in salt water for about a full day and night changing the water several times. The meat has been in the fridge and kept cold. I took the breast meat out to start cutting it into eating portions and it had a very unpleasant smell to it. Not what I would call spoiled or rancid. Just un appetizing for sure.  I've cleaned and eaten a bunch of turkeys. Not sure what to make of it.
Anyone have any experience with anything like this???

[wvmntnhick]

Fry it up. It'll be fine. But, it you're concerned, pitch it.


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[Southerngobbler]

There's no way your going to enjoy it once you get that thought in your head. Id hate to throw it away though,maybe cook and eat a small piece and if its ok make a gumbo or something.

[Old Timer]

try a brine

[Greg Massey]

Interesting , i still would have to fry up few pieces , but i never soak mine in salt water , could the salt have gotten some kind of odor ?  Just always soak mine in cold water for about 3 days before processing ...

[Coop1082]

I never soak mine in salt. Just water for a day or 2 before frying it up. Has me curious as if the salt caused something like Mr. Greg said?

[5arraquiver]

I checked the salt to see if it had any odor and it did not. I have always added salt to my soak.  I've been doing it for 28 years. Lots and lots of delicious birds. I know I took great care of this one as well getting him dressed out quickly etc.  it just shocked me that the meat had an unpleasant pungent smell to it. 

[Rapscallion Vermilion]

Doubt the brine had any effect.  I've never had it happen, but talked to a hunter down here in New Mexico that killed a turkey that evidently had a real taste for stinkbugs (pinacate beetles). Found a bunch of them in the crop.  Said the meat was so foul smelling he couldn't eat it.

[Mossberg90MN]

Maybe it was that birds particular diet?


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[Greg Massey]

I checked the salt to see if it had any odor and it did not. I have always added salt to my soak.  I've been doing it for 28 years. Lots and lots of delicious birds. I know I took great care of this one as well getting him dressed out quickly etc.  it just shocked me that the meat had an unpleasant pungent smell to it.

What do you think your accomplishing by soaking the meat in Salt Water ?

[Kylongspur88]

I've had a few that were taken care of right away and had a little funk. Turkeys kinda stink anyways. Wasn't concerned with spoilage so fried them up and they ate fine. Maybe it was in my head? Idk. Rule of thumb though if your in doubt pitch it out.

[crow]

I checked the salt to see if it had any odor and it did not. I have always added salt to my soak.  I've been doing it for 28 years. Lots and lots of delicious birds. I know I took great care of this one as well getting him dressed out quickly etc.  it just shocked me that the meat had an unpleasant pungent smell to it.

What do you think your accomplishing by soaking the meat in Salt Water ?

It makes it taste just like chicken of the sea

[5arraquiver]

I checked the salt to see if it had any odor and it did not. I have always added salt to my soak.  I've been doing it for 28 years. Lots and lots of delicious birds. I know I took great care of this one as well getting him dressed out quickly etc.  it just shocked me that the meat had an unpleasant pungent smell to it.

What do you think your accomplishing by soaking the meat in Salt Water ?

Greg, that was just the way I was taught. Draw out the blood and some brine to the equation.

[5arraquiver]

You got it Crow lol
It very well could have been his diet. Great points guys. I appreciate all the feedback.

[dzsmith]

I checked the salt to see if it had any odor and it did not. I have always added salt to my soak.  I've been doing it for 28 years. Lots and lots of delicious birds. I know I took great care of this one as well getting him dressed out quickly etc.  it just shocked me that the meat had an unpleasant pungent smell to it.

What do you think your accomplishing by soaking the meat in Salt Water ?

you know how people are with there game meats man....they destroy it with water.....