Old Turkey Carcass for stock?

[boyzoma]

I found an old turkey carcass in the back of my freezer. It wasn't marked properly and looks pretty freezer burned. Can I still use this for stock? Is it worth it to use up celery, carrots & onion on this? I'm not sure how long it had been in there. We have turkey more than just the holidays throughout the year. Advice would be welcomed.

[boyzoma]

Well, I went for it. Just threw it into the big "spaghetti" pot (with the strainer) along with some carrots, onions and celery. Threw in a bay leaf and some pepper corns and a few other things then let it simmer for about 8 hours. Turned out great! I double strained through some cheese cloth. No off taste at all. I'm really glad I made it. But in the future, I won't wait so long. I don't know why this carcass got buried. It won't happen again!

[Terrie H.]

Another idea might be to simmer it in some water for a few minutes to take off the freezer burn flavor that is on the outside, discard the water, then make your broth. Should help to get rid of any off flavor that freezer burn might have added

[christinegallary]

Try roasting or sauteeing the carcass a bit first to deepen the flavor and maybe that will get rid of any freezer burn flavors also.

[Davwud]

Use it. If the stock tastes "Off" then discard. What are you really out??

DT

[coll]

I freeze my carcasses at least 50% of the time before making stock, can't tell the difference.

[boyzoma]

This one looks pretty freezer burned though. You think that will still work?

[coll]

If there's mostly bones, I say no problem. Lots of meat, I would do it, might not be up to some people's specs, but wouldn't stop me. The few veggies you're throwing in there are probably worth a dollar, at most, and then you'll know for next time. It won't kill you for sure! It's dry now but after you simmer it a few hours it will rehydrate.

[boyzoma]

Thanks, Coll. I'm going for it! I've got all day so it's going to simmer away! We're having turkey next week and wanted to "stock up" for it. (pun intended)