Why do you have to bind the legs of a turkey while it cooks?

You don't have to bind the legs of a turkey while it cooks. Binding the legs is a technique used to:

* Keep the legs from splaying out, which can prevent even cooking and create a more attractive presentation.

* Help the turkey retain moisture, as the legs are less exposed to the dry heat of the oven.

* Create a more compact shape, making it easier to carve and fit into a roasting pan.

There are many ways to bind a turkey, using twine, skewers, or even just folding the legs under.

However, binding is not essential and many cooks prefer to roast their turkeys without binding. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and how you like your turkey cooked.