When it comes to roasting the perfect turkey, everyone has their secret ingredient: some swear by basting in butter, others tout the brine, and a few are loyal to a particular herb blend. However, the unsung hero of deliciously juicy turkey might just be sitting in your pantry right now: baking soda.

Yes, that’s right—baking soda. It might seem more at home in a batch of cookies than on your festive bird, but hear us out. The science of baking soda as a meat tenderizer is well documented. Baking soda alkalizes the surface of the meat, which limits the ability of proteins to bond excessively. This yields meat that’s more tender and moist when cooked.

For those wary of this unconventional tactic, consider this: restaurants have been using similar chemistry for years with another alkaline solution, baking soda’s cousin known as “baking powder,” on chicken wings to achieve that coveted crispy skin.

To use baking soda on your turkey, you’ll need to follow a precise method. Start by patting your bird dry. Then mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a thin paste (a ratio of 1/4 teaspoon per pound of turkey is suggested). Gently massage the mixture onto the skin of the turkey. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and patting dry.

Once you’ve rinsed off the baking soda solution, continue with your usual roasting routine—stuffing or dressing as desired, seasoning according to your favorite recipe, and ensuring your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.

We promise this extra step will not affect your turkey’s flavor profile; if anything, it serves as an enhancer allowing all your chosen seasonings to shine through in every bite while ensuring a moist interior and gloriously golden and crispy skin.

Remember that while the best roast turkey begins with simplicity—quality meat and good technique—it’s these little innovations that make all the difference. So next time you’re gearing up for that holiday feast or family dinner, reach for the baking soda and surprise everyone with the most tender and succulent roast turkey they’ve ever had. Don’t shy away from experimenting in the kitchen; sometimes the most beautiful flavors come from the most unexpected places.