11/16/2022
TURKEY THAWING: Thanksgiving is just over a week away, and several families have already started prepping for this year’s feast. Don’t forget to pull the turkey from the freezer, to ensure it’s thawed in time for Thursday’s family meal.
REFRIGERATOR THAWING TIMES
Whole turkey:
* 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
* 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
* 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
* 20 to 24 pounds — 5 to 6 days
The USDA says a thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking.
COLD WATER THAWING TIMES
• 4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
• 12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
• 16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
• 20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours
A turkey thawed by the cold water method should be cooked immediately, according to the USDA.
According to the USDA, Turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature during "the big thaw." While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely.
