People Have Been Asking the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Bizarre Questions for 40 Years

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If you’ve ever prepared a Thanksgiving feast, you surely have a tale to tell. It might be one of triumph, with a perfectly roasted turkey emerging from the oven while you shed a joyful tear. Or perhaps it’s the letdown of discovering an unthawed turkey that you decided to cook at 600 degrees for two hours, resulting in a charred dinner. While not everyone is naturally gifted in the kitchen, we can all elevate our culinary skills with a bit of assistance. Thankfully, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line has been saving Thanksgivings for 40 years!

The Talk-Line was established in 1981 when a group of six home economists joined forces to answer turkey preparation queries. In its inaugural year, they fielded over 11,000 calls from turkey lovers eager to improve their Thanksgiving experience. Fast forward to today, and the Turkey Talk-Line assists more than 100,000 individuals each year, receiving around 15,000 questions on Thanksgiving Day alone. That’s a lot of turkey talk!

Currently, the Talk-Line comprises over 50 experts, including chefs and registered dietitians like Melissa James, who recently shared insights with us. She proudly noted, “All Turkey Talk-Line experts undergo extensive training each year, including completing Butterball University. I am thrilled to say I graduated and earned my title as a Butterball Turkey Talk-Line expert.”

These experts are available around the clock to assist anyone facing turkey-related dilemmas, whether by calling 1-800-BUTTERBALL, live chatting at BUTTERBALL.COM, texting 844-877-3456, or simply asking, “Alexa, ask Butterball” on your compatible devices. Additionally, Butterball maintains a presence on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and, new this year, TikTok.

James explained that the new TikTok channel will feature the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, where experts will experiment with new trends, tips, and techniques, sharing their findings with viewers. This engaging approach offers a fun way to learn some Thanksgiving tricks.

Given the volume of annual inquiries, it’s no surprise that some unusual questions arise. James recounted one of her funniest experiences as a Talk-Line expert: “I think every Turkey Talk-Line expert has encountered some ‘unique’ questions. One memorable instance involved a caller who panicked after a raccoon had accessed her turkey thawing outside. She wondered if it was still safe to cook. For context, we advise against thawing turkeys outdoors for food safety reasons.”

She noted that people often have wild ideas about thawing their turkeys—counters, bathtubs, garages—there are even instances of thawing in the trunk of a car! Regardless of the method chosen, food safety should always be a concern.

“The safest way to thaw your turkey is in the refrigerator on a tray, wrapped in its original packaging. The general guideline is to allow 24 hours in the fridge for every 4 pounds of turkey. So, a 12-pound turkey should take about 3 days to fully thaw. Once thawed, you have up to 4 days to cook it,” she clarified.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the inquiries shift from thawing techniques to preparation methods and specific Butterball product questions. On the big day, calls may range from determining when the turkey is done to seeking tips for making the best gravy. Sometimes it’s a crisis, but often it’s just lighthearted fun!

“I particularly enjoy calls involving couples bickering over turkey preparation. I often serve as the tiebreaker, and it’s usually in good spirits; the winning party feels even more accomplished going into the Thanksgiving celebration,” she shared.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share delicious meals, and reflect on our blessings. If we can celebrate with those we cherish this year, that’s certainly something to be thankful for. Whether you’re a first-time turkey maker needing guidance or a seasoned pro who hits a snag, the Turkey Talk-Line is here to assist.

“Butterball aims to inspire both new and experienced hosts to enhance their cooking experience this Thanksgiving, reducing trial and error and maximizing quality time with family and friends. As always, hosts can reach the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line experts via phone, text, chat, social media, and our Alexa skill. We look forward to your calls,” concluded James.

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Summary

The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line has been a go-to resource for Thanksgiving turkey preparation since 1981, answering over 100,000 queries annually. Experts like Melissa James provide guidance on everything from thawing techniques to cooking tips, making Thanksgiving easier for both new and seasoned hosts. With various ways to connect, including phone, text, and social media, help is always available for those in need of turkey advice.

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People Have Been Asking the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Bizarre Questions for 40 Years